Chicago Cubs: Predicting the 2020 lineup

Kyle Schwarber has been one of those names rumored to be in trade talks, but I think he will ultimately stay. The Chicago Cubs obviously like him because of his offense and his thump in the middle of the lineup.

And he almost hit 40 homers last year, which was a 12 homer jump from 2018 to the 2019 season. If he can improve his defense even a little bit, I think he will garner a good amount of All-Star consideration.

Albert Almora Jr. is not known for his offense but he was someone that got on base for Joe Maddon, but a big question is where will he fit into David Ross‘ lineup in 2020.

He is most valuable when he is saving ballgames by his superb defense in center field. The other viable option to man center field at Wrigley in 2020 is Ian Happ, but I think the Cubs should value defense a little more than offense at this position considering the depth of the remainder of their lineup.

Jayson Heyward, 30, had an encouraging 2019 campaign for the Cubs–his on-base percentage and slugging percentage increased–and should be able to hit at the top of their lineup in 2020.

Cubs fans knew that Jason Heyward wasn’t going to be the guy he was when he was with the Atlanta Braves, but they did expect him to produce at a higher level than he has so far in his Cubs career.

Heyward still has four years left on his contract including the 2020 season, and he has a chance to earn back the Cubs fan base’s approval with a big year.