Chicago Cubs: 3 players who need to step up in Contreras’ absence

1. Kyle Schwarber has been removed from the leadoff spot and has a 145 wRC+ since the All-Star break.

Kyle Schwarber has been a really streaky player for the Chicago Cubs in 2019.  He batted just 0.227 in the first half of the season with 18 home runs and 43 RBI’s but he would come and go like a bad cold. Schwarber batted 0.241 in April, 0.196 in May, 0.262 in June, 0.184 in July, and is batting 0.500 so far in August.

Since the All-Star break, Schwarber has 7 home runs, 12 RBI’s and 2 doubles. As shown by his roller coaster months, his problem is consistency. He can absolutely carry a team for a couple weeks and then be a complete liability the next.

He’s been removed from the leadoff spot which has seemed to help his play. (As I am typing this, he just hit an opposite field double into the left-center gap. So make that 3 doubles since the break). In the leadoff spot, Schwarber batted just 0.229 but has done well batting lower in the order, particularly in the 8 spot just ahead of the pitcher.

There, Schwarber has batted 0.366 with 3 doubles in 15 games. He’s still not the best outfielder but he been adequate. If Joe Maddon can utilize him properly in the batting order, Schwarber can make up for the loss of Contreras during his stint on the injured list.