3 bold Chicago Cubs predictions heading into 2022

3 bold Chicago Cubs predictions: #1 – Jason Heyward finishes the year in Chicago

In recent weeks and months, there were many – myself included – who wondered if veteran outfielder Jason Heyward would even break camp as a member of the Cubs. He’s coming off the worst season of his career and, given the direction of the team, it’s a valid question to ask if Chicago is better off letting young guys get reps rather than Heyward.

But as we heard over the weekend, it appears his job with the team is safe – for now. Unlike in years past, we’ll see Heyward more in center than right with the addition of Seiya Suzuki this winter – but it’s not his defensive abilities that will be under the microscope this season.

If he struggles as badly at the dish as he did in 2021, it would grow increasingly difficult for the front office to justify his spot on the roster as the season wore on. That being said, I don’t know that Jed Hoyer will do what needs to be done – at least not during the season.

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Even if Heyward falls flat on his face at the dish, I think he’ll finish the 2022 campaign on this roster and the team will cut ties next winter, hoping to avoid the clubhouse drama and angst such a move could provoke, especially on a group that lacks a ton of established veterans.