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MLB Spring Training: Chicago Cubs Full Preview

By Jacob Kornhauser

October 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) reacts after he hits a single in the first inning against the New York Mets in game three of the NLCS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
October 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) reacts after he hits a single in the first inning against the New York Mets in game three of the NLCS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Cubs were hard at work this offseason after overachieving and reaching the NLCS in 2015. Many view them as the favorites to win the World Series now; that’s how much they did this offseason. As they enter spring training, here’s what to look for…

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Key Offseason Additions: SP John Lackey, OF Jason Heyward, 2B Ben Zobrist

Key Offseason Subtractions: 2B/SS Starlin Castro and OF Dexter Fowler

The Rotation: Chicago has one of the strongest rotations in the league after signing 37-year-old Lackey to a two-year deal. He joins Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester at the top of the rotation. Battling it out for the final two spots in the rotation are likely to be Jason Hammel, Kyle Hendricks, Adam Warren and Travis Wood.

Adam Warren is a sleeper candidate to claim the Cubs’ No. 5 starter spot.                                                       Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports
Adam Warren is a sleeper candidate to claim the Cubs’ No. 5 starter spot.                                                       Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports /

While the back end has some question marks, the depth is there, so the best two starters are going to win the jobs in spring training. That’s all you can ask at this point.

The Lineup: There’s a good chance the Cubs will have a top-five offense this season. The team has plenty of youth, but many of those youngsters played really well in their first full season in the major leagues.

Here’s what the everyday lineup is likely to look like:

  1. 2B Ben Zobrist
  2. CF Jason Heyward
  3. 3B Kris Bryant
  4. 1B Anthony Rizzo
  5. LF Kyle Schwarber
  6. RF Jorge Soler
  7. C Miguel Montero
  8. Starting Pitcher
  9. SS Addison Russell

There is so much depth in that lineup that even with 2-3 guys slumping at the same time, they should still be able to consistently produce. It’s hard to say they’ll be better than the star-studded Blue Jays offense, but they have the potential to be a close No. 2.

The Bullpen: There were rumors swirling the team was trying to add a closer this offseason, but they ended up not making a huge splash in the bullpen. However, they did add lefty Rex Brothers, who will make the bullpen more versatile.

Rex Brothers gives the Cubs another lefty out of the bullpen in 2016.                                                                 Chris Humphreys, USA TODAY Sports
Rex Brothers gives the Cubs another lefty out of the bullpen in 2016.                                                                 Chris Humphreys, USA TODAY Sports /

After a great 2015 season, Hector Rondon looks to establish himself as one of the top closers in the league. He answered the call when the team was in huge games last year and showed a real killer instinct. That’s something the Cubs haven’t had in quite some time.

As long as the bullpen avoids major injuries, they’re going to be a strength for the Cubs again. With all their depth, a few injuries might even be able to be overcome.

Competitions: The No. 4 and 5 starter spots appear to be up for grabs and the losers of those competitions could end up in the bullpen. However, the last couple bullpen spots are going to be competitive as well. Most bats are set in stone heading into the spring, but watch the pitching performances on this team. That will be the story of the spring.

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