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Chicago Cubs News: Projecting the current starting lineup
Chicago Cubs News: Projecting the current starting lineup
4. RF Seiya Suzuki
Lost in the shuffle of the Chicago Cubs' 39-31 record in the second half last season was the success that right fielder Seiya Suzuki had in the final month of the season. Suzuki slashed .282/.354/.493/.847 with a 139 wRC+ during the final month of the season. Entering his second season in Major League Baseball, Suzuki should now be acclimated with Major League pitchers and that could bode well for his success in 2023.
5. 1B Matt Mervis
Chicago Cubs fans get triggered if Matt Mervis' name is not mentioned in regard to the Cubs' 2023 first base position. There is no question that Mervis will factor into the Cubs' first base discussion for next season but it is also important to remember that 2023 will only be his third season in professional baseball. The Cubs selling out on the idea of Mervis being the answer at first base immediately in 2023 would be the wrong approach. If Mervis plays to his FanGraphs Steamer projections of .259/.321/.477/.798 with a 122 wRC+, then he will be an anchor in the Cubs' middle of the order for most of the season.
6. DH Patrick Wisdom
For as much swing-and-miss that remains in Patrick Wisdom's offensive skillset, there is no question that his power output certainly plays at the Major League level. Wisdom has clubbed 53 home runs for the Cubs over the past two seasons and that should be enough to keep him in the Cubs' lineup. Depending on what the Cubs add, though, there is a chance that Wisdom moves into more of a platoon role.
Chicago Cubs News: Projecting the current starting lineup
7. CF Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger comes to the Chicago Cubs in search of finding the swing that led to him winning the National League MVP award in 2019. Bellinger's power numbers did show a resurgence last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers as he had 19 home runs with a .179 ISO rating. Defense was the priority for the Cubs with their signing of Bellinger but if the former Rookie of the Year can find his swing, then there is a chance that he moves up in the order as the season progresses.
8. C Yan Gomes
Yan Gomes enters the 2023 season as the Cubs' starting catcher but it seems likely that the team will add another veteran as a platoon partner for Gomes. Tucker Barnhart has been the rumored choice for the Cubs and he likely would get the starts against right-handed starting pitchers.
Next. Three free agents the Chicago Cubs must avoid. dark
9. 3B Christopher Morel
Ideally, the Cubs may envision Christopher Morel serving in the team's super-utility role in 2023. Under that scenario, the Cubs would have added a player such as Trey Mancini and/or Michael Conforto. Until such a signing occurs, Morel likely will get a heavy look at third base for the Cubs and provides some speed and occasional power to round out the lineup.