Way-too-early prediction for Cubs’ starting lineup at the start of the 2027 season

Adding position players isn't expected to be a priority for the Chicago Cubs this offseason, but there's no doubting that the starting lineup will look different next year. Carson Kelly, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Michael Conforto, and Tyrone Taylor are all free agents, and not all of those players can be replaced with internal options.

Pitching will be the focus for the Cubs this offseason, but there's the reality that with their expected departures from the starting line, the offense could take a step back in 2027. The Cubs were the best offense in baseball this year, so it's possible for them to take a step back and still be good, but they shouldn't be resigned to that fate.

The Cubs may not have the payroll of the the Dodgers, Phillies, Yankees, or Mets, but there should be a path toward the team finding suitable additions to the starting lineup without deviating from the the idea that pitching will be the priority.

Way-too-early 2027 Cubs' starting lineup against right-handed pitchers

1. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
2. Alex Bregman, 3B
3. Trevor Larnach, LF
4. Michael Busch, 1B
5. Joc Pederson, DH
6. Nico Hoerner, 2B
7. Miguel Amaya, C
8. Matt Shaw, RF
9. Dansby Swanson, SS

The two big additions are Trevor Larnach in a theoretical trade with the Minnesota Twins, and Joc Pederson has a mutual option for the 2027 season, so he should hit the free-agent market.

Starting with Larnach, he was nearly traded at the deadline, and chances are Minnesota engages in trade talks this offseason. Assuming the Cubs go to more of a platoon approach to the corner outfield spots, Larnach makes a ton of a sense as a trade target, considering he rakes against right-handed pitching, posting a 131 wRC+.

Then there's Pederson, a reunion. Admittedly, this more of a fun prediction than it is based on what I think the Cubs are actually looking to do, but they have to find some way to replace the power lost by the potential departures of Suzuki, Happ, and Conforto. Pederson had 26 home runs with the Rangers in 2026.

Way-too-early 2027 Cubs' starting lineup against left-handed pitchers

1. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
2. Nico Hoerner, 2B
3. Tyrone Taylor, LF
4. Alex Bregman, 3B
5. Matt Shaw, RF
6. Pedro Ramirez, DH
7. Michael Busch, 1B
8. Dansby Swanson, SS
9. Miguel Amaya, C

Assuming the Cubs keep both Shaw and Ramirez this offseason, they are going to be in the lineup against left-handed pitching. Both have thrived against southpaws, and along those lines, that is why the Cubs bring back Taylor.

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