Chicago Cubs: 3 Cubs primed for a breakout in 2023

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In 2022, the Chicago Cubs saw breakout seasons from Ian Happ, Justin Steele, and Nico Hoerner. They will look to continue that trend of players that exceed expectations and give themselves an indispensable reputation. Fast forwarding to now, the Cubs will need more of the same from other guys. Ahead, we've listed three Cubs that are in line for a tremendous season and uptick in production, and if even one of them can work out, it significantly helps their chances of competing this coming season.

From offense to the starting rotation to the bullpen, the Cubs have exciting talent all over the field. With all the attention being on the teams that inked the largest deals this winter, the Cubs are currently flying under the radar, especially after what they did in the second half record-wise and with the emergence of key starters in the rotation. They are now the definition of a dark-horse team for the postseason in 2023. Let's analyze those three players who could be ready for breakout campaigns.

Chicago Cubs v Cincinnati Reds / Dylan Buell/GettyImages

3 Cubs breakout candidates - 3. Hayden Wesneski

First off, after what he saw from Hayden Wesneski in a small sample in 2022, there's no reason to believe he can't continue to build off of that success. Granted, Wesneski may not start in the rotation to begin the season, but the thought is that he can be utilized early on as a bulk reliever. With the Cubs looking to contend this season, they will spend little time on a player underperforming if a guy proves he has what it takes to be given a more significant role.

Wesneski posted a 2.18 ERA in 33 frames last year, showing filthy movement on his pitches. In two of his first three career starts, he posted quality starts, twirling 13.1 innings and allowing only three earned runs in that time. His production next season, if it's anywhere on par with what he saw in 2022, will help a Cubs team get over the hump and aim towards competing for a 2023 National League Central Division crown.

Chicago Cubs v San Francisco Giants / Thearon W. Henderson/GettyImages

3 Cubs breakout candidates - 2. Patrick Wisdom

Granted, Patrick Wisdom put himself on the map when he was given a chance to shine in 2021. Wisdom posted the Cubs' home run rookie record and followed that season up with 25 more homers in 2022. For Wisdom, cutting down on the strikeouts is critical. You'd love to see him increase his batting average and draw a few more walks. This year, he should have a little more protection around him in the lineup, which may see him get a few better pitches to hit.

Pencil me in as someone who believes Wisdom will see his first 30-homer campaign in a Cubs uniform this season. After over a year and a half in the majors, he has enough experience to put it all together at the highest level. The Cubs can use a better glove defensively at third base, but they will have to roll the dice there in the meantime with the addition of Eric Hosmer taking on DH duties if Matt Mervis sees time at first base. Either way, Wisdom as a DH is a highly viable option. Look for him to take a big step forward in 2023.

Cincinnati Reds v Chicago Cubs / Matt Dirksen/GettyImages

3 Cubs breakout candidates - 1. Jeremiah Estrada

Jeremiah Estrada has all the makings of a back end of the bullpen piece. At 24 years old, his breakout started in the minors, where he posted a collective 2.05 ERA between all levels. He spent time in High-A (1.17 ERA), Double-A (1.86 ERA), Triple-A (0.00 ERA), and finally was called up to Chicago, where he posted a 3.18 ERA and eight punch outs in 5.2 frames. Estrada may start in Triple-A this season, but it should be a brief stint if he continues with the same production we've grown accustomed to from him.

Next. Cubs will have to figure out their closer on the fly this spring. dark

Estrada is ready for big-league action, but the problem for him is the bullpen is already somewhat crowded with several bulk relief options. As stated before, Wesneski may start in the bullpen, along with Adrian Sampson and Keegan Thompson. Brad Boxberger and Brandon Hughes will also man roles, leaving Spring Training competition for the last few spots between names like Estrada, Javier Assad, and any of the recently acquired left-handed relievers on minor-league contracts. I expect Estrada to be the one to shine the brightest, finding himself in an essential role by the end of the 2023 campaign.

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