Chicago Cubs: Ranking each position's defensive strength

7.) Right field

Key players: Seiya Suzuki

The primary guy in right is going to be Suzuki as long as he is healthy. Last season we saw what a good arm he has; he was in the 82th percentile in arm strength in 2022 per baseballsavant. With that said, the route running and actual tracking of the ball needs some work. He posted a -4 DRS and was only in the 10 percentile in Outfielder Jump. Suzuki has some work to do in the field but has the tools to be a good defender. Manning right field at Wrigley is certainly not easy, especially for a rookie. We can maybe see Nelson Velázquez get a little time there if he makes the 26-man roster.

6.) Pitcher

Last season the Cubs pitching staff was right in the middle (14th) in baseball in staff DRS (-1). Adrian Sampson was the leader among starting pitchers (minimum 100 IP) in DRS (3) followed by Marcus Stroman (2). Do not expect Greg Maddux-like Gold Glove-caliber defense at the pitcher's mound, but not Jon Lester's throw-to-first bad either.