The Cubs lineup has been much improved this season as was expected, and that’s because of several new additions. Here are grades for each Cubs’ starting position player through the first six weeks of the season.
8. CF Dexter Fowler - B-
Getty ImagesFowler has been one of the more clutch players for the Cubs, but he hasn't been one of the best overall. However, he has set the tone at the top of the order, which is something the Cubs haven't had in years. For that reason, he's well worth who the Cubs traded for him.
7. 1B Anthony Rizzo - A
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Rizzo is off to the best start of his career and is very much in the National League MVP discussion this season. That would, of course, go to Bryce Harper if the season ended today, but with Rizzo's power and leadership, he could find himself right in the middle of the discussion by season's end.
6. 3B Kris Bryant - A-
USA Today SportsBryant hasn't quite hit for the power everyone was expecting yet, but his mature approach is reason for optimism for the Cubs. His on-base percentage is above .400 despite his average being below .300. That's because he doesn't chase pitches out of the zone and that has helped him also make the most of his RBI chances.
5. RF Jorge Soler - C
Getty ImagesSoler got off to a good start this season, but he's starting to show some disturbing trends: he strikes out way too much and he can't hit well in the cold. Maybe nobody told him, but Chicago gets cold in October. If he can't make more consistent contact, he's never going to reach his full potential.
4. SS Starlin Castro - B
Getty ImagesEven though his .279 batting average is a little disappointing, Castro is showing a clutch side that Cubs fans haven't seen before. He has the team lead in RBI with 20 and has been great with runners in scoring position this season. If he gets his average up a bit, he may very well be an all star again in 2015.
3. C Miguel Montero - A-
Getty ImagesIt was tempting to just give Montero an A+ based on the fact he got #wearegood trending, but he really has been great for the Cubs so far. He hasn't even been an everyday player, but he's batting over .300 and is driving the ball to all fields. He's the slugger the team has needed behind the dish.
2. LF Chris Coghlan - D+
Getty ImagesAfter having a comeback season last year, Coghlan has been pretty bad this season, barely batting above the Mendoza line. As a result, he's not a regular in left field anymore. If he can't turn it around soon for the Cubs, he may find himself in a permanent bench role.
1. 2B Addison Russell - B+
USA Today SportsThough he's batting just .267, Russell has shown why he was one of the top prospects in all of baseball. He leads the team with eight doubles and he's also added two long balls already. With his steady approach at the plate, these numbers are likely to go up even further in the future.
