3 pieces the Chicago Cubs need to acquire to contend
By Jason Parini
Designated Hitter
Having a very good designated hitter will help the Chicago Cubs out.
The arrival of Matt Mervis provides a bit more depth at the DH role, though he’ll likely try to get as much playing time at first base as much as possible. The Cubs now have Trey Mancini, Eric Hosmer, Matt Mervis and Patrick Wisdom all listed at DH on the depth chart.
We can realistically expect to see Wisdom and Mervis in the field as much as possible. While Mancini is an okay option, he’s a low-power hitter who has struggled to get on base this season with a disappointing .311 OBP.
Collectively, the Cubs lead MLB in strikeouts at the DH position and are 25th overall with a dismal .664 OPS. They’re hitting just .207 in 116 ABs for all designated hitters.
Hosmer won’t be with the Cubs past this season (that is if he isn’t DFA’d during the year), which means that the Cubs will need to acquire another bat (or two) for the DH role.
Expect the Cubs to wait until after the season to address this role and sign a veteran hitter to help boost the lineup or potentially trade prospect depth for a veteran bat.
With a plethora of outfield options between the major league and minor league levels, the Cubs could afford to trade an outfield prospect for a seasoned hitter.