Chicago Cubs Hitters: 2015 Team Preview
Sep 28, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits a 2-run homer in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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It seems like there are so many moving parts regarding the Cubs’ lineup. Will Kris Bryant start with the big club? Will Arismendy Alcantara get enough at-bats? Is left field a platoon? Even though I am a Cubs fan and follow them closely, I am not sure how it will all shake out on Opening Day and beyond.
I still think Starlin Castro has 15-20 home run power and he could hit over .300. While Castro will likely never be a fantasy superstar, he is an above average option at a razor thin position. In fact, I actually prefer Castro over Jose Reyes because I think Reyes sees a drop-off in steals this year. While I doubt I own Starlin Castro in any league, you could do a lot worse at SS.
At first, I questioned myself when I put Rizzo inside my top 15 here, but then I continued to slide him up higher during the off-season. I feel very good putting him at 12th overall because his floor is so high. Anthony Rizzo is only 25 years old right now, and he is coming off an excellent season where he hit 32 homers and looks like the complete package going forward.
Some people believe that Jorge Soler is actually the top prospect of the Cubs because of his incredible abilities with his bat. He has elite power and can crush the ball to all fields. If Soler can put up the stats that Tanner is projecting for him, then his ADP is way too low. I would be very happy with that line and Soler has major value in keeper leagues.
Kris Bryant is already my favorite player in a long time. He may start the season for the Iowa Cubs in AAA, but he will play at Wrigley Field at some point in 2015. Bryant absolutely obliterated the Minors in 2014, and I think he is just too good to fail. Of course, no prospect is a lock, but Kris Bryant is the closest thing to it. Due to the unknown call-up date, Kris Bryant is a risky buy in redraft leagues, but he should be drooled over in keepers. This guy is the future.
The Cubs have a pretty bright future, and their rebuilding should pay off some in 2015. Rizzo is already a fantasy stud, but the other prospects all have major upside. While I love the fact that Soler, Bryant, or Javier Baez could all be difference makers, do not reach too far and pass up a very good proven option to grab these young studs.
Tanner Bell of Smart Fantasy Baseball has created all of the projections seen in this post. You can read about how he develops his projections here. His projections are invaluable to this site. You can also visit his site at www.smartfantasybaseball.com.