Cubs: 3 Opening Day storylines to keep an eye on this week

1 of 3

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

For the first time since 2019, when the Chicago Cubs take the field on Opening Day, there will be no capacity restrictions in place.

Of course, two years ago, there were no fans allowed in the ballpark for the duration of the 60-game season – and Opening Day didn’t take place until late summer. Last year, there were strict mask policies and just over 10,000 in paid attendance as the Cubs lost to the Pirates at Wrigley Field.

So with a full 162-game slate on the docket and fans back in the seats for all of them (although you can wonder just how well the Cubs will draw this year based on early ticket sales), let’s take a look at 3 storylines we’ll be keeping an eye on as Chicago kicks off the 2022 campaign.

3 Cubs Opening Day storylines to watch: #3 – Seiya Suzuki makes his debut

The team’s biggest position player signing of the offseason, Seiya Suzuki, will make his big league and Wrigley Field debut on Thursday – likely starting in right field as the Cubs welcome in the reigning NL Central champion Brewers for a weekend series.

Suzuki got off to a slow start in Cactus League action, but belted his second home run of the spring on Saturday. An early front-runner for NL Rookie of the Year honors, the Japanese import will have to acclimate to big league pitching, something that’s far from an easy task.

Still, he’s expected to be a major piece of the puzzle for the team, not just in 2022 – but for years to come. Without the star power fans have grown accustomed to on the roster this year, it’ll be all eyes on Suzuki – especially if and when the team trades Willson Contreras this summer.

Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports /

3 Cubs Opening Day storylines to watch: #2 – Last ride for Willson Contreras?

Based on everything we’ve heard from reports and Contreras himself, Thursday may very well be the final Opening Day he spends as a member of the Cubs.

One of just three members of the 2016 team left standing, along with Kyle Hendricks and Jason Heyward, there have reportedly been no substantive extension talks between Chicago and their two-time All-Star catcher, making a trade between now and the end of July a near-certainty.

After losing Javier Baez, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo last summer at the deadline, a Contreras trade seems likely to turn the fanbase even more against ownership. Widely regarded as one of the top catchers in the game, he’s made great strides behind the dish and is coming off a team-best 4.1 bWAR in 2021.

At least, for now, Contreras will be in the lineup looking to put up big numbers heading into a walk year. That’s a best-case scenario for everyone involved, because getting a fair return for a catcher on an in-season trade is a tall task – yet the one the front office seems to have given itself. Expect a rousing ovation during introductions on Thursday for Contreras.

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

3 Cubs Opening Day storylines to watch: #1 – Kyle Hendricks gets the nod

As I wrote about earlier today, Hendricks will start his third consecutive Opening Day for the Cubs this week. In 2020, without a soul in the seats, he dominated Milwaukee, tossing a three-hit shutout at the Confines – and he’ll surely be hoping to replicate that performance.

Given all the uncertainty surrounding the starting rotation – and Hendricks himself – getting out of the gate on the right foot would be ideal. Obviously, one start does not a season make, but if he and Stroman can cement themselves atop the staff, that’s at least one area of concern that feels marginally better.

Hendricks has always struggled early in the season – and the weather is poised to be particularly Chicago-like all week. That means precipitation, temps in the 40s and a lack of sunshine – not necessarily ideal pitching conditions.

Next. Conforto still available because of a shoulder injury. dark

Want your voice heard? Join the Cubbies Crib team!

Write for us!

Location will be key for the right-hander. He’s spent all spring working to get back to what made him so successful leading into 2021 – especially working the lower quadrants of the zone. If he keeps the ball in the yard and hits his spots, he’ll have a good shot at coming away with another Opening Day win.

Home / Chicago Cubs News