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Chicago Cubs: Kyle Schwarber making mistake in Home Run Derby

By Brandon Hinrichs

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 31: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs hits an RBI single against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Citi Field on May 31, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 31: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs hits an RBI single against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Citi Field on May 31, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
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Kyle Schwarber is one of two prominent Chicago Cubs making their Home Run Derby debut next week. Here’s why the young slugger shouldn’t participate in the popular spectacle.

The Chicago Cubs‘ organization would be wise to inform Kyle Schwarber not to swing for the fences in next week’s Home Run Derby. There are just too many risks involved for him.

Javier Baez, on the other hand, has every right to be in this event. He’s an All-Star, unlike Schwarber. Furthermore, Baez has improved dramatically as a hitter this season. The same can’t be said regarding Schwarber.

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There’s less risk involved for Baez swinging for the fences next week. He’s earned the right to entertain fans with his prolific swing. He’s demonstrated this season that nothing fazes him. Baez can go through hitting slumps. Yet, he’s more likely to bounce back from them.

Schwarber is batting roughly .250 this season. While he has 17 home-runs, his power doesn’t make up for his dismal average.

Wasn’t Schwarber supposed to be a better hitter this season? Granted, his average is up from .211 last season. But are expectations now that low for a player once deemed a .300 hitter just a couple of seasons ago by scouts and media?

Batting .250 is embarrassing. Schwarber still hasn’t broken out of his poor hitting habits from last season. He’s still pulling everything he hits towards the first base side of the infield. Whereas, he should be looking to beat the opposing defense’s shift by spraying the ball towards the third-base side.

Instead of looking to impress fans during All-Star week for one night, why not focus on fixing your weaknesses? Look to hit the ball to all parts of the field. Become an all-around hitter, rather than one-dimensional.

This is why Schwarber isn’t playing in the All-Star game with Baez. While Baez no doubt looks to swing for the fences during each at-bat, at least he’s willing to occasionally hit the ball the opposite way for singles.

While participating in the Home Run Derby will increase Schwarber’s name recognition and fan-base, is it worth potentially messing up his swing post all-star break?

In the past, we’ve seen Home Run Derby participants struggle finding their groove offensively following the all-star break.

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The difference between those players and Schwarber is that they’re all-star hitters, who aren’t batting .250. Or at the very least, they have proven track records of success. Unlike Schwarber.

If anything, Schwarber should use this all-star break as motivation to improve in the second half of the season. Even if it means backing out of an event that so many others have passed on for all the right reasons.

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