Chicago Cubs: Reviewing the outfield depth heading into 2022

One thing the Chicago Cubs have seemed to struggle with since the departure of Dexter Fowler is finding a consistent starting outfield mix. That became especially true last year, after the team let Kyle Schwarber go, given it had seemed like he would be a consistent piece to the puzzle for years to come.

But, as of now, the outfield depth for this upcoming season is shaping up to be something to look forward to. From a potential leadoff hitter on Opening Day to a red-hot slugging prospect in the Arizona Fall League, there is a lot to be excited about in terms of who we’ll be seeing in 2022.

The starters right now are shaping up to be Ian Happ in left field, Rafael Ortega in center, and Jason Heyward in right. Being very lefty-heavy, this will most likely be a platoon situation with bench pieces such as Michael Hermosillo, Harold Ramirez and Clint Frazier starting against left-handed pitching or filling in on off-days for Ortega and Heyward.

The way I see it, each spot is up for grabs. Ortega did a pretty good job of filling in after the deadline, putting up a .360 OBP and a 120 wRC+, but he definitely isn’t the long-term answer for this rebuilding team and will most likely come down to Earth in 2022. Heyward failed to build on his breakout 2020 season and was one of the worst hitters in all of baseball this year. As of now, Happ has the most job security of the three and finished 2021 scorching hot.

Of the players most likely to be on the Opening Day roster, it seems as though Michael Hermosillo has the best shot at taking over a starting role. The organization brought him back on a one-year deal on Dec. 1 following a short stint on the roster in 2021. He showcased his power by putting up a .500 slugging percentage and hitting three homers in just 38 plate appearances. The fact the team is bringing him back on a major league deal signifies they believe he will be of great use – and they’re likely to give him more opportunities to show why he deserves one of those starting spots in the outfield

Frazier and Ramirez are also candidates to play their way into the starting mix. Frazier, the former top prospect, was a high-reward, low-risk move for the Cubs as they looked to fortify their bench. Like Heyward, he hasn’t had much to show for besides an outstanding 2020 season where he put up a .394 OBP along with a .511 SLG, and 149 wRC+. We’re hoping new hitting coach Greg Brown can help Frazier unlock his potential here on the North Side. As for Ramirez, he’s also had limited time in the majors. He’s posted a .308 OBP for his career and was in the 85th percentile for average exit velocity last season. His power should play well in an environment like Wrigley Field.

Chicago Cubs have some up-and-coming outfield depth in the organization

There are also plenty of options for the Cubs when it comes to the minor leagues. We saw a little bit of Greg Deichmann toward the end of last season after he came over from Oakland in the Andrew Chafin deal. He didn’t have the greatest 31 major league plate appearances, but in the minors, he put up fantastic numbers last season. A slash line of .274/.388/.822 pairs well with his seven homers and 48 RBI.

Also on the 40-man is Nelson Velazquez who has been putting his name on the radar recently with an insanely good stint in the Arizona Fall League. His league-leading home runs (9) and OPS (1.191) led the Mesa Solar Sox to the AFL Championship and his winning AFL MVP honors. These two prospects have serious potential to make a huge impact if they continue to improve at the same pace.