Chicago Cubs: Predicting the Opening Day Lineup

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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 /

4. 1B Anthony Rizzo

The loaded middle of the Cubs’ order continues with Anthony Rizzo in the cleanup spot. Simply put, it does not get better than a 2-3-4 of Schwarber, Bryant and Rizzo.

A left-handed power hitter who also shows elite-level plate discipline, Rizzo is arguably the best player on the Cubs’ roster. Yes, even on a team that has the reigning league MVP, Rizzo may be the best player.

He is an absolute offensive force who really came into his own last season. Rizzo hit .292/.385/.544 on the year with 32 home runs and 43 doubles. Rizzo was up-and-down in the post season, struggling mightily against the San Francisco Giants in the opening round.

However, Rizzo got back on track late in the NLCS and was a major part of the Cubs’ resurgence down the stretch. He is an extremely important part of the middle of this lineup and would provide incredible support to Schwarber and Bryant in this batting order.

Rizzo is obviously an incredible offensive weapon, but he is also as good as it gets defensively at first base. He is coming off of his first gold glove award, being named the best defensive first baseman in the National League.

He is a true MVP candidate who will be an important part of the Cubs’ lineup no matter where he hits.

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