Chicago Cubs: Albert Almora says he’s overhauled his approach

Chicago Cubs: Almora needs to work counts, focus on hard contact

Last season was a complete lost cause at the dish for Almora. On the year, he managed a measly .271 OBP. Now, that’s never been a strong suit for the 25-year-old. In the past, his on-base percentage has been buoyed by a .289 batting average from 2016 to 2018. But last year, that number plummeted, as he hit just .236.

"“Yeah I wasn’t in a good place mentally,” Almora told NBC Sports Chicago this week. “The team wasn’t going where it needed to be, and that obviously sucks. And then, my performance wasn’t where I wanted it to be as well. I didn’t think the way I was going about the day was the correct way, in regards to getting prepared for the game. Little things like that."

Make no mistake. Chicago needs either Almora or fellow outfielder Ian Happ to find consistent success this year. Without either of them, it’s hard telling what kind of black hole center field will turn into yet again. Ideally, both are successful, giving first-year manager David Ross options when he’s filling out the lineup card.

Last season, Almora hit the ball on the ground more than he has at any point in his big league career and his soft-hit percentage was also at an all-time high. His solution? Completely revamping his swing. He told reporters in Mesa that once games start, we’ll see a visible difference when he’s at the plate.