Chicago Cubs: An early look at the team’s outfield situation
With Steven Souza Jr. and the Cubs reportedly agreed on a deal, the team will have added more outfield depth. How will it be arranged in 2020?
Who would have ever thought? It took until January 24, but according to a Ken Rosenthal tweet, the Cubs finally inked a guy to a big league deal. Better late than never, right? According to Rosenthal, former Tampa Bay Rays and Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Steven Souza Jr. is set to join the team’s outfield ranks, pending a physical.
With this move the Cubs will have another outfielder in the mix. While people still hope for Nicholas Castellanos, this could indicate the Cubs are moving on from such hopes. On the other hand it is worth noting that moves made to clear salary that could involve the likes of Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber or Kris Bryant have yet to be made. Until Castellanos officially signs or major trades happen, we cannot know 100 percent.
For the time being the Cubs will have a lot of guys able to play outfield. Not all of them will necessarily be on the 25-man roster come Opening Day. This looks like a situation which will involve lots of platooning all across the outfield if there are no more major additions/subtractions.
Chicago Cubs: Depth chart doesn’t tell the whole story for the team
As of right now the 40-man roster on MLB.com lists four everyday outfielders in Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber, Ian Happ and Albert Almora. These are the guys who will be primarily/only playing beyond the infield diamond and are listed strictly as outfielders. Add Souza to this list as he has only played outfield in the majors. So that is five guys right there.
But that doesn’t paint an accurate picture when you’re looking at the club’s depth. There are several other guys on the 40-man who can play in the outfield, despite it not being their primary position. That list includes Kris Bryant, Robel Garcia and, technically, Daniel Descalso since he has played some outfield in his career.
Lastly take in account those who signed minor league deals, non-roster invitees and guys in the system. This includes the likes of Hernan Perez and Mark Zagunis for the time being. While Zagunis is not on the 40-man he is still an option as he is still in the system.
Chicago Cubs: Only so many of these options will make the 25-man roster.
Looking at their current options you can sort out who will definitely be a big part of the MLB outfield (assuming no trades/injuries).
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In terms of full-time outfielders, Heyward and Schwarber are locks. Happ will most likely be on the roster unless he struggles again. We saw the improvements (granted a smaller sample size) after his minor league stint last season and there is still upside with him. Even Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein hinted at Happ having a bigger role on the club in 2020. Souza is not necessarily a lock, but the intent with a MLB deal in place says the plan for him is to make the roster if all goes okay with his health/performance.
Bryant is the guy who if still on the Cubs come Opening Day who will not primarily be an outfielder but be an option. Descalso, who is up in the air right now, will probably not play much or any outfield if he does make the roster. Perez is also a question mark, but if he makes it he can play pretty much anywhere. Unless more moves are made, one of Descalso/Perez will probably make it.
One of the bigger questions is Almora. While a reliable glove his offensive woes will hurt his chances. Right now Happ is the number one centerfielder and Almora will not be used in the corners. He has a lot to prove this spring before being trusted with a spot. Guys like Garcia will probably be playing in the minors to start 2020 unless needed on emergency basis.
Chicago Cubs: Expect platoons more often than not
Right now your top three outfielders from left to right are: Schwarber, Happ, Heyward.
With the addition of Souza, who is primarily a right fielder, the outfield will look different on select days. This is an opportunity to platoon lefty/right based on matchup seeing as Souza is a righty and Heyward is a lefty. Heyward can also slide into center to allow him to be in the lineup and either Souza or Bryant to play right.
As for Schwarber, he will either be in left field or on the bench. While Happ is likely going to play more center than any other position but he can also play left. If Schwarber is on the bench and Happ is in left, then Heyward and/or Almora (if he makes the roster) can take over in center. Happ can play right, but with Heyward, Souza and Bryant on the roster then he is going to be mostly center and left.
Here are some possible combinations:
- Schwarber (LF), Happ (CF), Heyward (RF)
- Schwarber (LF), Heyward (CF), Souza (RF)
- Schwarber (LF), Happ (CF), Souza (RF)
- Schwarber (LF), Happ (CF), Bryant (RF)
- Happ (LF), Almora (CF), Bryant (RF)
- Happ (LF), Heyward (CF), Souza (RF)
- Happ (LF), Almora (CF), Souza (RF)
- Happ (LF), Almora (CF), Heyward (RF)
There are going to be a lot of questions going into the season with the outfield. Will Happ take that next step? Does Almora have a season which redeems the previous one? How will Souza bounce back from major injury? Certainly does not seem as stable as the infield does right now which only has one real question which is second base.