Looking back at all the Chicago Cubs' leadoff hitters since 2016

3. Rafael Ortega

One of the many journeymen no longer on the Cubs is Rafael Ortega, and he was one of the many failed attempts at a leadoff hitter. In 2022, Ortega amassed 179 at-bats while hitting 1st, and he got on base at a .288 clip. Coupled with a .201 batting average and almost as many strikeouts (34) as hits (36), Ortega again proved that the Cubs needed to look elsewhere at the position.

4. Albert Almora Jr.

Drafted by the Cubs 6th overall in 2012, outfielder and former top prospect Albert Almora Jr. never really lived up to his high expectations. Although his fielding was always above-average, Almora was never able to prove himself as an everyday player. He did see moderate success from the leadoff spot as a Cub, with most of those at-bats coming in 2018. Over his career hitting leadoff, Almora has hit .294 with 86 hits in 76 games. However, his lack of power and inability to hit righties doomed not only his leadoff career but his time as a Cub. The team allowed him to walk as a free agent in 2020, and he has struggled as a Met and Red since.