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Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers: Five Players to Watch in Weekend Series

By Dan Schmelzer

Mar 19, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) reacts after striking out against the Kansas City Royals during the third inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) reacts after striking out against the Kansas City Royals during the third inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jason Heyward Chicago Cubs
Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward (22) hits a one run single off of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jason Heyward

The Chicago Cubs signed Jason Heyward to a massive eight-year, $184 million contract prior to last season. Heyward was a 26-year-old elite defender who was always at least above average at the plate. At the time, the deal made plenty of sense for the Cubs.

However, after Heyward was awful last season, the contract looks terrible. It would not take much with the bat for Heyward to become a valuable big league player. He is the best defensive right fielder in Major League Baseball and is an asset on the base paths as well. However, his .230/.306/.325 slash line from last year simply will not play.

Heyward was lost at the plate last season. He struggled to make consistent contact and had almost zero power behind his bat. That being said, he looks much better early this season.

Heyward worked hard to rework his swing over the offseason and he has started out 4-12 through the first three games. Obviously, this decent success in such a small sample size does not mean that Heyward is an MVP candidate, but it is nice to see him having success.

Next: Bold Predictions for 2017 Cubs

The Cubs right fielder is not lacing the ball all over the field, but Heyward simply getting hits to drop is a big deal. If nothing else, a high batting average is great for his confidence. The Cubs do not need Heyward to be Babe Ruth. However, they cannot afford him to hit like he did last season again.

The first series was a good sign, but let’s keep an eye on it before we get too excited.

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