Cubs News: Three questions about the outfield spots

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Wrigley Field – (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

For the Chicago Cubs outfield, they have some issues going on. Where will Schwarber play? Is it even going to be here in Chicago?

For the Chicago Cubs, they got issues. Is Kyle Schwarber going to be with the Cubs in 2021? What about Billy Hamilton or Cameron Maybin? They have concerns about the outfield. Two of the spots are ‘locked in’ in Ian Happ and Jason Heyward, that we know. But outside of that, it’s a risk they’re going to have to take.

Happ and Heyward are good. Schwarber is iffy. And the two or three reserves that they have? They don’t–at least currently. And Albert Almora Jr.? He’s as good as gone with a non-tender contract. So what will they do?

I’d sign Hamilton and Maybin to one-year deals. They have proven their worth. Almora is gone, in my opinion. He’s 26 years old and hasn’t done enough to warrant the change needed. From 2016 through 2018, he was money. But the last two years, he’s been horrible at the plate, even being demoted to the alternate site.

Kyle Schwarber – (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs: Has time run out?

The Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber has had hot and cold streaks–mostly cold–in his career. He’s played six seasons in the majors–five if you’re counting the injury in 2016. He played sensationally in the World Series and was runner-up to the MVP if not for Ben Zobrist.

This season was absolutely horrible for Schwarber. He hit .188 with 11 home runs and an OPS+ of 88 in 59 games–his lowest since 2016 when he missed the entire season. He had a wRC+ of 90 and a BABIP of .219. It was dreadful.

Schwarber is on the line for $8 million for a streaky hitter. Is it enough? He has abundant power, but will the average keep up with it? Sub .200 is not enough to be on the Cubs–or anybody else for that matter. But clubs will be looking to make some changes to their roster. So, takers?

Ian Happ – (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs: So could Happ move from center field?

It’s possible. The Cubs’ Happ has subbed for Schwarber many times in left field–so he’s capable. He’s escalated from a minus-7 in 2018 to a minus-2 in 2020, and he’s got plenty of time to work it out in center.

It’s possible that if they get some speed in center field, maybe Happ can switch to left field. Hamilton will be ideal if he plays there on a one-year deal. But that’s for Theo Epstein to be involved with. I know nothing of it. Hamilton or Maybin? Sheesh. Maybe it’s neither of them. Who knows.

In the end, Happ would be good to switch, especially with Hamilton patrolling center field. Again, who knows what will happen. Maybe Happ will be an ‘all-time’ center fielder? He’s holding the spot until that comes up.

Jason Heyward -Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Cubs: How big a leadership role will Heyward carry?

Plenty. One of the reasons is his 10/5 rights. Heyward has accrued 10 years in the majors, five with the current team. So, in the end, Heyward has full no-trade rights. So what does that mean? Well, it means he won’t be traded unless he approves it. But what if he doesn’t want it?

If the Cubs stay ‘in the race,’ Heyward likely stays put through 2023. Well, what if he has a good year? Three years are remaining on his deal. In the end, I say he stays. He is happy where he at. And who knows, maybe the increased responsibility will be good on hin as veterans depart.

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As for the backup outfielders? I see Maybin and Hamilton. But what if they don’t sign them? I think they’ll go for the prudent options in the outfield. I don’t know how it could be more prudent than Maybin or Hamilton, but I digress.

Home / Chicago Cubs News

For the Chicago Cubs outfield, they have some issues going on. Where will Schwarber play? Is it even going to be here in Chicago?

Chicago Cubs: Has time run out?

Chicago Cubs: So could Happ move from center field?

Chicago Cubs: How big a leadership role will Heyward carry?

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