The Cubs already have Kris Bryant as their starting third baseman, and for good reason, as the 24-year-old has excelled during his short tenure as a major leaguer. Bryant was the player moved to left field when Schwarber tore his ACL and LCL this week, and last season Bryant played eight regular season games in left field for Joe Maddon’s Cubs.
In nine games in left field during his two MLB seasons, Bryant has yet to commit an error in left field. If Bryant moves to left field, Tommy La Stella can fill in the third base role and get his time in with the Cubs as well.
Last season, Bryant was an All-Star and the NL Rookie of the Year, but he’s going to be so much more during his career. In that rookie campaign, the former first-round draft pick batted .275 with a .369 on-base percentage and .488 slugging percentage. He played in 151 games, tallying 87 runs, 154 hits (31 doubles, five triples, 26 home runs), 77 walks and 99 RBIs in 650 plate appearances.
His WAR is especially important as it was 5.9 last season, so having a player with a Wins Above Replacement that high just has to be in the lineup, whether it be at third base or left field, which the Cubs will do.
I don’t expect Bryant to be the full-time left field replacement, but he’ll play at the position probably more than he did last season, providing the Cubs with a great replacement for the injured Schwarber.
Next: Javier Baez