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Chicago Cubs: Addison Russell’s recent play a great sign

By Dan Schmelzer

Jun 17, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell (27) rounds the bases on solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell (27) rounds the bases on solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a brutal start to the season, Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell is starting to turn it around. A rejuvenated Russell would be a massive addition to the Cubs’ lineup.

At 34-34, the Chicago Cubs have not had the start to the 2017 season that most of us expected. The Cubs have struggled at the plate, on the mound and in the field all season long and are not playing up to their potential. Luckily, nobody in the National League Central is playing at the level to run away with the division.

As things stand on Monday, the Cubs are still in second place in their division, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by only 2.5 games. It has not been a great start for the defending World Series champions but the Cubs are still in a competitive state.

Make no mistake about it, the Chicago Cubs are clearly still championship contenders in the National League. That being said, they better start getting back on track soon.

The struggles of Kyle Schwarber and Jake Arrieta have been well-documented and are major reasons for the Cubs’ lack of elite play. That being said, shortstop Addison Russell hitting an ugly .220/.295/.385 on the season.

Russell has been troubled by off-field issues and a bum shoulder that has seemingly bothered him for most of the season. That being said, he looks much more comfortable at the plate in recent games and may be soon heading for a much-needed breakout stretch.

While a caution of small sample size obviously applies here, Russell is hitting .333/.364/.857 over his last six games. His .484 wOBA and 202 wRC+ (via Fangraphs) are absolutely incredible over that stretch, making Russell an extremely valuable offensive weapon for Joe Maddon and the Cubs.

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The numbers certainly back it up, but most importantly, Russell looks much more in control at the plate. He is hitting the ball to all fields and appears to have his power stroke back.

We all saw how important Russell can be to the middle of the Cubs’ lineup last postseason. If this recent hot stretch is any indication, Russell appears to be getting back on track. That would be a huge step in the right direction for the Chicago Cubs’ offense.

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