This is the perfect Chicago Cubs lineup with Dansby Swanson

The Chicago Cubs have a suspect bottom of the order in a lot of ways.

7. Patrick Wisdom – DH

Patrick Wisdom doesn’t do much well but the one thing he does well, he does it really well and that is hitting baseballs over the fence. He had 25 home runs in 2022 which is a lot for a 30-year-old second-year player. He deserves a chance to provide some power for this team in 2023.

There is a chance that Wisdom platoons the designated hitter spot with Matt Mervis who is a top prospect for the Cubs. Both of these guys can also play first base but being a designated hitter is more likely for them. It may just depend on who is on the opposing mound.

8. Alfonso Rivas – 1B

Having Alfonso Rivas as the everyday first baseman isn’t the most ideal thing for the Cubs and they still could be looking for a way to avoid that from happening. If they signed someone like Trey Mancini to be the DH, Wisdom or Mervis might be able to do it but for now, Rivas is the guy.

Having him hit 8th is better than 9th because you’d rather have someone better at turning over the order to the top.

Maybe Rivas will take advantage of his opportunity (if he does end up getting it) by taking a step as a hitter or continuing to be a good defensive first baseman. PJ Higgins is also a candidate to platoon this spot with him.

9. Yan Gomes – C

Yan Gomes certainly won’t catch in every game for the Chicago Cubs but he is certainly the guy going forward now. The Willson Contreras era is over as he has moved on to the enemy in the St. Louis Cardinals so Gomes is the guy for now.

At 35 years old, he isn’t the answer long term but he can do the job in 2023. This is a man that has been a great offensive catcher in his career so he might be decent enough at turning the order over to the top in the nine-hole. He would be great at batting ninth right now to start.

This is a lineup loaded with flaws but it is much improved from a year ago which is exciting for Cubs fans. This may be the perfect lineup right now but things certainly can change. Keep in mind, the off-season isn’t over yet either.