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Chicago Cubs: Predicting the Opening Day Lineup

By Dan Schmelzer

Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning of game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning of game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kyle Schwarber Chicago Cubs
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs player Kyle Schwarber (12) reacts after hitting a single against the Cleveland Indians in the 10th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. LF Kyle Schwarber

It will be very interesting to see how the Cubs put together the middle of their lineup. With Kyle Schwarber back in the mix, they have plenty of options. Unless Schwarber ends up being the leadoff hitter, him, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant will make up the 2-3-4 in the Cubs’ lineup on most days.

After suffering a devastating knee injury early in the season, Schwarber made a triumphant return to the Cubs as their designated hitter for the World Series. Despite missing a huge majority of the season, Schwarber stepped right in and was a huge threat in the middle of the Cubs’ lineup, hitting .412 with a .500 on-base percentage throughout the series.

Schwarber is an incredibly powerful hitter who shows top-notch plate discipline. He is susceptible to the strikeout and Schwarber will not hit for an extraordinarily high average throughout a season. That being said, his power is a legitimate difference maker.

If he can stay healthy, Schwarber has legitimate 40+ home run potential. With so many high-level options, I imagine that the Cubs will look to limit Schwarber’s starts in the regular season. That being said, he will be the regular starter in left field and one of their most dangerous hitters in the lineup.

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