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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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Albert Almora Jr. Chicago Cubs
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs runner Albert Almora Jr. (5) celebrates after scoring a run against the Cleveland Indians in the 10th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

8. CF Albert Almora

Joe Maddon will replace Dexter Fowler in centerfield in a variety of ways. Veteran free agent addition Jon Jay will get some work and I could also see Heyward getting some time out there as well. However, the Cubs would love nothing more than Albert Almora taking the job and running with it.

Almora made his big league debut in 2016, and shined with the Cubs in a backup role. Almora hit a solid .277/.308/.455 in only 117 regular season plate appearances. He was a weapon for Maddon off of the bench, playing elite defense in the outfield.

The 22-year-old Almora was the first ever draft pick made by Theo Epstein and company with the Cubs, as they selected him with the sixth overall pick in 2012. Almora quickly became a top prospect, with scouts loving his ability to go and get it in centerfield.

Almora does not have much power in his bat, but he is a strong contact hitter who has shown solid plate discipline over the years. In this powerful Cubs’ lineup, he would not be expected to be a major offensive contributor, but Almora does have the skills to be well above average with the bat.

In fact, he was an above average hitter in his short time in the big leagues last season, as his 101 wRC+ shows. There is reason to believe in Almora’s offensive upside with more at bats in 2017.

The Cubs will mix and match in centerfield at times, but if Almora can prove that he is the guy, they will give him an opportunity to take the everyday job.

Maddon loves to play with the lineup everyday, getting all of his players an opportunity to play. That being said, he showed last season that once the post-season hits, he wants mostly the same lineup out there everyday.

With his elite defense and strong offensive upside, Almora is the best bet to be their post-season center fielder. On opening day, the Cubs will want to showcase their best lineup so Almora gets the nod.

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