Predicting the Chicago Cubs 2016 Starting Lineup With Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist

Predicting the Chicago Cubs' 2016 Lineup

The Chicago Cubs had a great season in 2015, winning 97 games and reaching the NLCS. A group of young players has the future looking bright, and some notable additions this offseason has the Cubs in line to be a legit World Series contender. Here's my prediction for how the Cubs regular 2016 lineup might look.

1. 2B Ben Zobrist

The Cubs signed Zobrist to four-year, $56 million deal, and while his versatility is an asset second base should be his primary position. Without a quintessential leadoff hitter, Cubs' manager Joe Maddon should give the switch-hitting Zobrist the nod.

2. CF Jason Heyward

Still only 26 years old, Heyward is the Cubs' biggest free agent acquisition of the offseason (eight years, $184 million). He could move to right field if the team adds another outfielder, but as of now Heyward fits in center field and in the No. 2 hole.

3. 1B Anthony Rizzo

Rizzo has established himself as the centerpiece of the Cubs' lineup, with more than 30 home runs in back-to-back seasons. The third spot is where he belongs.

4. 3B Kris Bryant

After hitting 26 home runs with 99 RBI last season, it's scary to think what kind of encore the reigning National League Rookie of the Year will have in store next season.

5. LF Kyle Schwarber

Schwarber hit 16 home runs in just 232 at-bats during the 2015 regular season, and he followed that up with five home runs during the postseason. Finding a defensive position where he won't be an eyesore might be a challenge, but Schwarber's bat is major league-ready at 22 (23 on March 5) and he belongs in the every-day lineup.

6. RF Jorge Soler

Soler has been mentioned in trade rumors, but the Cubs don't seem too enthused to move him. I'll book him in right field, and as an extension of what is looking like a very dangerous lineup.

7. C Miguel Montero

Montero will again be the Cubs' primary catcher in 2016, and he has enough offensive punch (15 home runs in 2015) to be a solid contributor.

8. SS Addison Russell

The trade of Starlin Castro will allow Russell to move back to his natural position from the start in 2016. It's worth wondering if that will boost his offensive numbers (.242/.307/.389 slash-line, 13 home runs and 54 RBI last season), but remember he will turn just 22 on January 23.

9. Starting Pitcher

The Cubs' starting rotation shapes up as Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks right now, but another offseason move is possible.