Cubs News: Schwarber ranked #1 breakout player for 2017
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Cubs News: Schwarber ranked #1 breakout player for 2017


by - Senior Editor -

Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber can rake offensively and a potential superstar since he has flashed with the Cubs in his first two seasons at the major league level. To make matters even more exciting for Cubs fans is that Schwarber will be leading off this season to bring his high on-base percentage as a table setter.

ESPN senior writer Jim Bowden released his latest article on Monday and stated that Schwarber is his #1 break out player in 2017.

"Schwarber showed the world how amazing his bat is when he made his season debut -- in the World Series -- and went 7-for-17 with three walks for a .500 OBP," ESPN.com said. "Schwarber's bat is so special that his potential this season is in the range of .310/.380/.580 with 25-30 home runs and 100 RBIs if he ends up hitting in the middle of the Cubs' lineup. Schwarber has exceptional bat speed, a clean setup and stance and a direct path to the ball that accounts for consistent sweet-spot contact. What type of “breakout” do I think he’ll have? I think we’ll be talking about him next fall in the same breath as Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant. He’s that good!"

The 10 breakout players according to the list included Schwarber, Alex Bregman, Jon Grey, Julio Urias, Gregory Polanco, Andrew Benintendi, David Dahl, Maikel Franco, Dylan Bundy, and Byron Buxton.

During the 2016 World Series, Schwarber hit .412 with seven hits, a double and two RBIs to help the Cubs win their first World Series in over 100 years. In 2015, Schwarber hit .246 with 16 home runs, 43 RBIs with an outstanding .842 OPS in only 69 games (273 at-bats) in his rookie season.

He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the first round (4th overall) in the 2014 MLB Draft.

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