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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.