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Chicago Cubs: Previewing the 2016 season

By Carlos Nazario

Mar 29, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the Cubs’ new additions fit in well?

Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer did some work in the offseason. After spending the last few years getting high-quality prospects and developing them, the second phase of adding quality veterans has started.

The Chicago Cubs acquired the big fish in the free agent pool in right fielder Jason Heyward.

Heyward signed an eight-year, $184 million contract to play in Chicago, leaving a $200 million contract on the table. He also is not afraid to set high expectations, like Rizzo did last season.

“The World Series,’’ Heyward said when asked recently about the Cubs’ goal. “Yeah, win the World Series.  That’s it. There’s no other goal to worry about. Nothing. “And anything else — it’s not just making the playoffs, just getting there, no. It’s winning the World Series.’’

Heyward is hands down the best defensive outfielder in baseball. His defensive WAR is higher than some players’ total WAR.

Heyward is just 26, so he can fit right in with the young Cubs. He also has six seasons of experience so the older veterans can accept him.

Some question whether Heyward could ever become a power hitter, but he does not have to be with the Cubs. He could team with Dexter Fowler and set the table for the big boppers on the roster.

Last season, Heyward hit .293/.359/.439. What is interesting is that he puts the ball in play and gets on base often. His batting average on balls hit in play was .329 (.309 for his career), and his career on-base percentage is .353.

With Fowler and Heyward getting on base, the Chicago Cubs will have plenty of run scoring opportunities.

Zobrist is penciled in to start at second base, but he will be the go-everywhere player that Maddon loves. Zobrist can play in the outfield and the infield, so he will move around.

Zobrist is fresh from winning a World Series with the Kansas City Royals last season, and he also gave up more money elsewhere to come to Chicago.

Zobrist can help the young hitters prepare for the playoffs. He can share his valuable experience with them, so they are not surprised too much with what happens during the season. He will be invaluable in helping the Cubs get back to the postseason.

As I mentioned earlier, Lackey will be the big man in the middle of the rotation that will settle it. He threw 218.0 innings over a league-leading 33 starts last season. With the Cubs, he won’t be asked to throw so much. He will be fresher for the postseason.

Next: So what does this mean for the 2016 Chicago Cubs?

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