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 […]
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 […]
Schwarber finished as the team leader in home runs this season, raised his batting average, lowered his strikeout rate and raised his contact rate for the second consecutive season. All of that bodes well for his growth at age 26. But there’s plenty of room for further development, and Cubs President Theo Epstein repeatedly stressed […]