Fantasy Outlook for 2020 Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs: Baez and Bryant are elite on the left side

Javier Baez is one of the best all-around shortstops in the league, and while much of his value also comes on the defensive side, his offense certainly provides ample oomph on its own. Baez is as slick and exciting as they come on defense, which is a winning attribute for his team and Theo Epstein, but it won’t be rewarded in most fantasy leagues. No fear though, as Baez will likely get you 30 home runs and 100 RBI sitting in the middle of a Cubs order that is sure to put up runs.

If you’re of the mind that the Kris Bryant leadoff experiment will propel the Cubs offense to new heights, Baez could reap a ton of rewards and RBI opportunities sitting in between Bryant/Rizzo on one side and Schwarber/Contreras on the other.

Baez certainly figures to be in the middle of things both literally and figuratively for the Cubs this year, so a quick pick up at a premium position in fantasy is a good bet.

Speaking of the Cubs leadoff experiment featuring Bryant, Bryant will get extra at-bats, score more runs, and be in the middle of a ton of scoring opportunities in real life and fantasy. What Bryant may not pick up in RBI opportunities this year should be made up by run-scoring opportunities, but may scare some fantasy owners away because he likely won’t put up 100 RBI. He will still walk a ton, score lots of runs, and probably get 700 PA on the season, though. Bet on Bryant quickly if you can, as the Cubs offense could well blow up with him at the top.

While second base is the weak link on the infield for the Cubs at the moment, a dynasty pick-up of Nico Hoerner might be just what you’re looking for. As a guy who may have to wait his turn in 2020 behind veterans like Jason Kipnis, Daniel Descalso, and utility man David Bote, Hoerner is likely to be the everyday second baseman in 2021 and beyond.

While Hoerner could work his way into an everyday role at some point during 2020, it’s not a sure thing, so fantasy owners not in a dynasty league might be reluctant to spend a pick on any of the Cub second basemen this season.

Whether you’re a fantasy veteran or newbie, the Cubs present an intriguing glimpse into the world of fantasy baseball and why some things are sure things and others are the luck of the draw. Let’s hope all Cub fantasy owners are super happy- because it inevitably means the real players and team are doing just as well as your fantasy one.