3 Chicago Cubs players who could thrive under Craig Counsell

Although the Chicago Cubs roster will be looking different again come Spring Training, as the team is already often rumored to be connected to the most significant trade targets and free agents in the game, it should also be noted that with Craig Counsell now at the helm, existing players who have high potential, but were never really given a shot, will also get their opportunity in 2024. Who are the biggest beneficiaries of more playing time? Let's look at three options that we could see be in line for a big season next year.

3 Cubs who could thrive under Craig Counsell - 3. Alexander Canario

With a history of playing everybody on his roster, one primary beneficiary of the Cubs' managerial change is Alexander Canario. Remember when Canario roped an RBI double, hit a grand slam, and sat on the bench the next day? Those are the types of managerial decisions that don't sit well in hindsight. Canario's talent has never been something that was questioned. When Matt Mervis got all the attention in 2022, Canario was also quietly mashing.

Let's remember Canario's 37 HR/97 RBI contribution just a year ago before suffering a devastating injury. Once he got back into form, he was quickly promoted to the majors, where he was given virtually no chance to break into the league, which ultimately hurt him even more than playing in the minors because, at least there, he could play in games. In 17 ABs, Canario slashed .294/.294/.647 with one home run and six RBIs. If he shows promise in 2024, expect him to get the chance he deserves.

3 Cubs who could thrive under Craig Counsell - 2. Ian Happ

Ian Happ's mind is a sponge in all things baseball. He has already acknowledged looking forward to picking Counsell's brain this coming season. Although openly fond of David Ross both on and off the field, this is an opportunity for Happ to understand the game through the eyes of one of the best managers in the game. Forever grateful to Ross for everyday playing time, which allowed Happ to prove himself and earn back-to-back Gold Glove awards; he can now further improve by being able to ask the right questions and trust he is getting sound advice.

Craig Counsell has a way of getting the very best of his players. Happ's skill is undeniable, and seeing how the Happer is utilized moving forward will be fun. If the Cubs continue to beef up the lineup by trading or via free agency, an interesting thing for Happ will be to see where he falls in the batting order. With elite on-base skills, Happ will have to keep his batting average up if he still wants to be featured in the top three, but having Counsell to lean on and further improve will only help him keep getting better.