Chicago Cubs Predictions 2017: Will Kyle Schwarber win Comeback Player of the Year?
The Chicago Cubs are anticipating a full-season of Kyle Schwarber and that could signal more hardware in the future.
The Chicago Cubs have become no strangers to receiving hardware over the course of recent seasons.
In 2015, Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon won the National League Manager of the Year award; Jake Arrieta won the National League Cy Young award, and third baseman Kris Bryant won the National League Rookie of the Year award. In 2016, Bryant was named the National League MVP.
The Cubs will be looking for more hardware at the end of the 2017 regular-season. While the focus will be on whether Bryant can repeat as National League MVP, the Cubs may have the odds-on favorite for National League Comeback Player of the Year.
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Cubs’ left fielder Kyle Schwarber missed all but two games in 2016 due to a torn ACL injury. Schwarber is now healthy and expected to be the Cubs’ everyday left fielder while leading off in the lineup.
If Schwarber is able to stay healthy for the full season, there should be no reason for him not to win the National League Comeback Player of the Year award.
Schwarber has prolific power. In fact, entering the 2016 season, there may have been more anticipation for Schwarber’s offensive production than any other player on the Cubs’ roster.
What can fans expect from a full season of Schwarber? It’s not out of the realm to think that Schwarber could hit over 35 home runs for the Cubs in 2017. Not to mention, Schwarber’s power will lead to greater offensive production beyond his home run numbers. Opposing pitchers will be afraid to pitch to Schwarber at the top of the Cubs’ lineup and that will lead to plenty of walks. Schwarber being on base creates instant scoring opportunities considering he will be followed by Bryant and first baseman Anthony Rizzo in the lineup.
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Schwarber, by the end of the 2017 season, may be the most valuable hitter in the Cubs’ lineup. That would be the reason why Schwarber will be the 2017 National League Comeback Player of the Year.