$Predicting The Chicago Cubs\' 2016 Opening Day Lineup$

Predicting The Chicago Cubs' 2016 Opening Day Lineup

By Brad Faber

In 2015, the Chicago Cubs went 97-65, reaching the postseason for the first time since 2008 and later advancing to the NLCS for the first time since 2003. Over the offseason, the Cubs made a couple of very exciting additions to their already-formidable club, and they now appear primed to be an NL Central force once again. On that note, here is a spring training prediction of how Joe Maddon‘s lineup could look when the Cubs take on the Los Angeles Angels on opening day.

$Predicting The Chicago Cubs\' 2016 Opening Day Lineup$

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1. Dexter Fowler, CF — In a somewhat surprising move, Dexter Fowler re-signed with the Cubs in late February. Fowler hit .250/.346/.411 with 17 homers, 46 RBIs and 20 stolen bases with the North Siders last year, and he gives the club a natural leadoff option.

2. Ben Zobrist, 2B — Although he will soon be 35 years of age, the switch-hitting, versatile Ben Zobrist remains one of the game's most well-rounded players. Since 2009, his 37.2 fWAR ranks fifth in MLB among position players. Signed to a four-year deal over the offseason, Zobrist is now reunited with Maddon, who he played for during his tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays.

3. Jason Heyward, RF — Signed to a massive eight-year deal over the offseason, the still only 26-year-old Jason Heyward should be an excellent addition to the Cubs' lineup. With the exception of his 27-homer campaign with the Atlanta Braves in 2012, Heyward hasn't been an enormous power threat, but he has still provided an above-average bat (114 career OPS+) to go along with his excellent baserunning and defense.

4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B — Fresh off of a season in which he finished fourth in the NL MVP voting, first baseman Anthony Rizzo should give the Cubs a great cleanup option for 2016. Rizzo, 26, has hit 30-plus homers two years in a row and had his first 100-plus RBI campaign last year.

5. Kris Bryant, 3B — After hitting .275/.369/.488 with 26 homers and 99 RBIs in an NL Rookie of the Year-award winning campaign last year, it should be very interesting to see what kind of numbers Kris Bryant can put up in his sophomore season. Still only 24 years old, the young slugger's future is looking incredibly bright.

6. Kyle Schwarber, LF — In just 69 games last year, Kyle Schwarber hit .246/.355/.487, launched 16 homers and drove in 43 runs. The 23-year-old Schwarber, who can catch and play corner outfield, gives the Cubs a top-notch left-handed power bat to plug into their lineup.

7. Miguel Montero, C — In his first campaign after coming over in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Miguel Montero had a bit of a bounce-back season at the plate last year, hitting .248/.345/.409 with 15 homers and 53 RBIs. The veteran Montero is a great catcher and should serve as a dependable backstop for the Cubs once again in 2016.

8. Jorge Soler, DH — With the Cubs opening the season in an American League park and having the option of the DH, Jorge Soler would be a great candidate to fill this role. Soler hit a decent .262/.324/.399 with 10 homers and 47 RBIs last year, but it will be interesting to see how his role in the outfield shapes up with Fowler re-joining the mix.

9. Addison Russell, SS — At just 21 years of age, Addison Russell had a successful rookie season last year, hitting .242/.307/.389 with 13 homers and 54 RBIs. Russell now finds himself entering the 2016 campaign as the club's starting shortstop, and it should be quite fun to see what he can do this year.

Jake Arrieta, P — After having a historic second half and winning the NL Cy Young award last season, Jake Arrieta has already been named the team's opening day starter. It will be quite interesting to see if Arrieta can maintain his Cy Young-level performance.

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