Cubs News: 2023 Season Projections: Ian Happ, Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki |
The final installment in our season projection series, at least from an offensive side of things, falls onto the OF. This is the area that excites fans the most, as the Cubs current OF has a chance to be something special this season.
They have a great mix of speed and power, capable of hitting 100 combined homers, and they have two gold-glove defenders with the possibility of having all three land in the gold-glove conversation. That is a lot of gold out there, as they will give opposing hitters nightmares in the OF. As long as all three of these guys stay healthy, big things will come from the Cubs OF, which is refreshing after the lack of production they had last season. However, fans know that the Cubs have a ton of OF depth in their minor league system, so this could be the beginning of a long tenure of OF success.
It may have taken five seasons, but Ian Happ finally showed the Cubs the player he could be in 2022. Not only did he play close to 160 games, but he hit for a consistent average, dropped his strikeout rate, improved his walk rate, and earned his first of what could be multiple gold gloves in left. That is everything you look for in a left fielder, and Happ has put himself in a position where he could land an extension with the Cubs. While nothing is imminent on that end, there are reports that Jed Hoyer has begun the extension talks with Happ as they are trying to lock up one of their fan favorites. Prediction, 149 games, .275 average, 23 homers, and 78 RBIs. Last season was significant for Happ, and he passed with flying colors. While his power numbers were a bit down than in the past, Happ made up for that by hitting for a higher average. The Cubs loved to see that, but they would still like his power numbers to get back to where they were. Given that he is playing for an extension this season, look for Happ to not only hit for a good average, but his power should return this season as he will be a critical part of the Cubs offense. Throw in his defense, and you have to start putting him in the conversation as one of the better left-fielders in the game.Ian Happ
Cody Bellinger
The Cubs made a ton of moves this past offseason, but the one that comes with the highest upside is the signing of Cody Bellinger. The former NL Rookie of the year and 2019 NL MVP, Bellinger has shown the type of hitter he can be, but has fallen on hard times lately.
A rash of injuries and mechanical flaws have made him a shell of what he once was the past three seasons and forced the Dodgers hand to release him following the 2022 season. Not only is Bellinger healthy again this spring, but he has a fresh start and is playing with a chip on his shoulder to prove the last three seasons are not who he is.
Prediction: 138 games, .279 average, 34 homers, 104 RBIs, and 15 steals.
I may be shooting for the moon with his projection numbers, but I feel Bellinger is on the verge of having a tremendous season. A season that might lead to comeback player of the year considerations before all is said and done.
If the Cubs want to be in contention for the postseason when the season is over, the production from Bellinger in the middle of the lineup will be massive. This team had zero left-handed power last season, and Bellinger certainly has the opportunity to fix that.
Seiya Suzuki
While Bellinger could be the most significant free agent pickup this season, you could argue that Seiya Suzuki was the most significant acquisition last season. The long-time Japanese OF Suzuki left Japan for the Windy City last season and signed a five-year contract.
Expected to produce in a big way given his numbers overseas, his rookie season was a bit of a struggle, but that was to be expected. He battled with a series of injuries early in the season while also struggling to recognize some of the better-breaking pitches in the game. He did finish in a big way and hit better than .260 with 14 homers last season.
Projection: 145 games, .284 average, 28 homers, 96 RBIs, and 10 steals.
The 2023 season will be a massive one for Suzuki as he aims to show the Wrigley Faithful the type of player he is. Adding over 25 pounds of muscle this offseason was huge, but now he needs to put that to good use.
Given that the Japan season is fewer games, Suzuki will get days off here and there to preserve his durability throughout the season. Similar to Bellinger, his presence in the middle of the lineup is going to be the X-Factor for the Cubs and how far this offense can go.
Other players who could see time on the MLB roster at some point this season include Darius Hill, Brennen Davis, Nelson Velazquez, and Yonathan Perlaza.
