(670 The Score) With new additions in the offseason, the Cubs are counting on better offensive production in 2023.
The Cubs added shortstop Dansby Swanson, center fielder Cody Bellinger, first baseman/designated hitter/outfielder Trey Mancini, first baseman Eric Hosmer and catcher Tucker Barnhart to their mix, and they also believe their holdovers can improve. One of those returning who projects to be in the middle of the Cubs’ lineup is outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who had a strong start in his rookie year in 2022 before struggling and battling a hand injury.
Suzuki bulked up in the offseason, which was noticeable as he has reported to spring training. Suzuki hit .262 with 14 homers and a .770 OPS in 111 games last season.
“It's fun to see him in person and realize he wasn't kidding about coming into this season stronger,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said of Suzuki. “He talked so much about what he had learned from last year. He talked about wearing down last year and hitting the fastball more regularly. That was the transition we knew he would have to deal with last year. It was a three-part season for him. He started off hot. He slumped and got hurt. He then finished really strong. He learned from each part of those things. One was that he can perform on this level – ‘Now here are the things I need to do for that to happen.’ Hopefully he will keep on improving and assimilating better and better.”
The Cubs’ first base and DH spots will be under a microscope in spring training. Mancini and Hosmer will be in that mix depending on the matchups. Mancini will be close to an everyday player, though his position could change on a daily basis. Mancini hit .239 with 18 homers and a .710 OPS in 143 games split between the Orioles and Astros in 2022.
"Trey will get some time in the corner outfield slots, but the majority of his at-bats will be at first base and DH,” Hoyer said. “We expect him to be in the lineup almost every day. He can provide that power we have lacked a little bit in the lineup. I think Wrigley Field is well-suited for him. We have looked at his prior spray charts, and our projection is he should really thrive at home. He is a great personality and a hard worker. We are excited to see him here get going.”
The Cubs ranked 19th in MLB in runs per game in 2022. Their wild card is Bellinger, the 2019 National League MVP who has struggled mightily in recent years, leading the Dodgers to non-tender him in November. Bellinger hit .210 with a .654 OPS in 144 games in 2022.
"He has experience with our coaches Dustin Kelly and Johnny Washington,” Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins said. “That will definitely provide some comfort for him. He has been in our camp almost every day since he signed with us. We hope this place allows him to be himself. We know when he is, he is really, really good. Our goal is to see that talent re-emerge for him.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
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