Where will the Chicago Cubs turn after losing Kyle Schwarber for the season?
While one or two MLB teams may look like clear World Series favorites coming out of Spring Training, injuries can change the picture in a hurry. The Washington Nationals certainly found that out the hard way last year, and the Chicago Cubs unfortunately may have followed suit early on in 2016.
Just three games into the regular season on Friday night, the Cubs were dealt a tough injury blow. Terrific young outfielder Kyle Schwarber was lost for the year after tearing his ACL and LCL in his left knee, according to ESPN.
Schwarber, who came up as a catcher rather than an outfielder, collided with center fielder Dexter Fowler on a Jean Segura fly ball on Friday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cubs trainers examined Schwarber for several minutes before he was carted off, and it was later confirmed that he tore multiple ligaments.
While Schwarber has his faults as a player, the Cubs will still miss his powerful presence in the lineup. Schwarber hit .246/.355/.487 with 16 home runs in 273 plate appearances last year per FanGraphs.com, and had room to improve at just 23 years old.
It’s not an injury that will ruin Chicago’s season, and the Cubs are arguably the deepest team in the Majors. Still Schwarber’s injury will probably cost the Cubs around three wins this year, which could make a difference in a very competitive National League.
Given the Cubs; depth, Schwarber likely won’t be replaced by just one player, and nobody could match his skill set of being a catcher and corner outfielder anyway. The Cubs will play Tommy La Stella at third base while moving Kris Bryant to the left field occasionally, and have some other options behind that.
Chicago has three in-house options who could replace Schwarber’s playing time directly. If none of those are working out in a couple of months, the Cubs have the resources to explore the trade market.
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