As the Cubs try to put together their roster for the 2021 season and beyond, one name they are sure to pencil in somewhere on the diamond is Nico Hoerner. He has grown into a piece of the Cubs’ future in a very short time. Hoerner endeared himself to manager David Ross during his rookie […]
The Cubs added to their outfield depth on Tuesday, claiming Phillip Ervin off waivers from the Mariners. The addition of Ervin brings Chicago’s 40-man roster to 37, though only three (Ian Happ, Jason Heyward and now Ervin) are true outfielders. The Cubs non-tendered both Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr. earlier this month, creating a […]
For all the thrills and accomplishments of the 2020 season, there were a number of former All-Stars, MVPs and World Series winners who had down years. As we wait for the free-agent market to heat up and, eventually, spring training and opening day, let’s look at 10 players in need of bounce-back 2021 campaigns. Gleyber […]
After being honored for his elite versatility in previous seasons, Javier Baez of the Chicago Cubs has now been recognized for his exceptional play at shortstop. Baez earned fourth Fielding Bible Award, being recognized this time at shortstop. He tied for first among shortstops in Double Play Runs saved and tied for second in Defensive […]
It would be easy to look at the Cubs’ offense with Kris Bryant, Javy Baez and Anthony Rizzo and think that would be their calling card. Oh, the Cubs have shown they can still be dangerous at the plate, but they’re starting to turn heads with their defense. Whether it’s a flashy play on a slow roller or a catch […]
CHICAGO — Cubs manager David Ross has already discussed the possibility of Kyle Schwarber serving as a designated hitter. The outfielder’s name has come up as a future DH candidate since he broke into the Majors, but Ross wanted to let Schwarber know he still has a home in left field. “We’re on the same […]
Analysts and experts have been trying to make Kyle Schwarber a designed hitter for years, and now the Cubs have their chance. But don’t assume Schwarber will move out of left field just because rules for an abbreviated, improvised 2020 season will call for a universal DH. It’s unclear if opening up an outfield spot […]
The coronavirus pandemic has put on hold not only the 2020 major league season but also contract-extension talks between All-Star shortstop Javier Baez and the Chicago Cubs. Baez, under team control through 2021, told ESPN that the Cubs and his representatives had what he characterized as multiple “really good” conversations about a long-term contract extension during the spring. Nonetheless, he […]
David Kaplan is joined by NBC Sports Chicago’s number cruncher Chris Kamka and Mark Simon of Sports Info Solutions to discuss Kris Bryant’s defense and how to measure the defensive play in baseball. And, don’t worry, Javy Baez is still the best shortstop in baseball. Click here to read the rest of the article on nbcsports.com.
It’s cliché to say, but 2019 was a tale of two seasons for Schwarber. After an average first half, he was one of the best hitters in the National League post-All-Star break. A look at his splits: -Schwarber first half (353 plate appearances): .227/.320/.457 (.777 OPS), 18 home runs, 43 RBIs, 97 wRC+ -Schwarber second […]