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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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Jason Heyward Chicago Cubs
Oct 11, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward (22) celebrates after scoring during the ninth inning of game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

7. RF Jason Heyward

The Cubs signed Jason Heyward to a massive eight-year, $184 million contract last off season. As a rare 26-year-old proven player who hit the open market, the Cubs did not hesitate to make Heyward their priority. That being said, his first year in Chicago did not go according to plan.

As you know, Heyward struggled at the plate all season long, hitting a robust .230/.306/.325 on the year. Heyward was an easy out for most of the season and showed little to no power in his bat. That being said, Heyward was still a valuable player for the Cubs, playing elite defense in right field and making plays on the base paths.

According to FanGraphs, Heyward had a 1.6 WAR on the season. Meaning, he was an above average player overall despite being well below average at the plate. He did not perform up to the level of his contract, but that speaks volume of how great the rest of Heyward’s game is.

Heyward’s performance in 2016 is obviously concerning, but there is reason to believe that he will turn it around. More than anything, I simply do not believe that he is a terrible hitter after all of those years of success.

Prior to last year, Heyward was a career .268/.353/.431 hitter. He has never been a huge power guy, but he is an extremely disciplined hitter who can put the bat on the ball. He lost that in 2016, seemingly trying to create more power because of his contract. The Cubs have plenty of power in this offense, they simply need Heyward to be the guy who he has always been in the past.

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If he can make that turnaround, the Cubs are going to be an even more dangerous team. Early reports of Heyward already working on changes in his swing are incredibly encouraging. He is a hard-working player who seems motivated to turn his offensive production around.

Whether Heyward improves at the plate or not, he will have value to this team. That being said, if he can just get back to his career norms, he will help an already elite offensive attack be even better.

Having his glove in right field is enough to get him in the opening day lineup. That being said, having him hit seventh until he proves that he can turn his offensive production around seems like a strong move.

If Heyward produces at the start of the season, moving him up would make sense (maybe he replaces Fowler as the leadoff hitter). However, taking the pressure off at the seven hole to start the year would be wise.

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