This is the perfect Chicago Cubs Opening Day starting lineup

The middle of the Chicago Cubs order is filled with players hoping for a repeat of 2021.

4. Frank Schwindel – 1B

Frank Schwindel has come up big for the Cubs lately. He had the impossible task of replacing Anthony Rizzo at first base after he was traded to the New York Yankees last July. He did very well and now he is going to try and repeat what he did again this year.

The Cubs chose to not trade him while his value was at an all-time high so now he needs to reward them by playing at a high level once again. His power will come in handy in the four-spot for the entire year.

5. Patrick Wisdom – 3B

Just like Schwindel, Patrick Wisdom came out of nowhere in 2021. He was also an older rookie that was one of the best in the MLB after mostly coming out of nowhere. Batting fifth for him this year is perfect as he can set the tone for the bottom half of the lineup. Like the two hitters before him, he has tremendous power.

Wisdom is going to see lots of time at third base this year. Jonathan Villar will probably get a fair share of starts there as well but that won’t take Wisdom out of the lineup much as well. With the outfield and DH in his back pocket, he will get a lot of plate appearances again in 2022.

6. Ian Happ – DH

Ian Happ might start the year as the designated hitter while he figures out things with his elbow. They are also much deeper in the outfield this time around so they don’t need to rush it back. He is perfectly fine batting sixth on this team and standing in as the designated hitter. When he is ready, he will certainly get out there in the field but batting sixth as the DH on Opening Day is perfect.