Chicago Cubs: 5 things to be excited about in 2020

A new approach

Since the arrival of Theo Epstein in Chicago, the club has taken a more analytical approach to baseball in both their front office decisions as well as on the field.

Despite bringing success throughout the rebuild and early in their championship window, it’s evident that they need a new approach and fresh insight throughout the organization.

Most notably, the Cubs offense has struggled for years at this point. The Cubs are on their third hitting coach in three years, and the bats just haven’t showed up when it matters.

It appears that the club is finally addressing those issues.

Shortly after the season ended, the Cubs hired hitting expert Justin Stone as the team’s director of hitting.

He comes to the club in their attempt to help develop hitting prospects and improve the team’s offensive fundamentals and approach.

Though it may take a few years for the effects to be seen, Stone’s hitting and development expertise will be a tremendous asset, especially for a team soon to enter a rebuild in some fashion.

The team’s performance in the first half of 2020 will be quite telling of just how soon – or far away – a rebuild and the importance of Stone’s skills will be required.