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MLB 2017: One X-factor for each team

By Brad Berreman

September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport
September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport /
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Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Cubs: OF/C Kyle Schwarber

Due to a mishap in left field, Schwarber missed almost all of the 2016 season with a torn left ACL. He did return for the World Serries though, with seven hits in 17 at-bats (.412 average) as a designated hitter and bench bat.

Schwarber showed what he can do with a bat in his hands during his first big league action back in 2015. He had 16 home runs over 232 regular season at-bats, and then added to it with five more home runs during the Cubs’ run to the NLCS.

They key for Schwarber is finding a position for him to play regularly and without incident. But he is currently in line to be the Cubs’ primary left fielder, despite last year’s collision that led to his knee injury, while also being a third option behind the plate. Designated hitter is obviously an option during interleague play in American League parks, but the priority has to be getting a full season of offense out of Schwarber no matter where he might be stuck defensively.

Left field feels very risky, though Schwarber could be coached up to avoid going aggressively after any in-between fly balls he’s not confident he can get to. No pulled hamstrings or collisions, even if it means ceding double once in awhile.

The Cubs won a World Series with virtually nothing from Schwarber, and having him almost feels like a trade acquisition heading into 2017. Help is not really needed on the North Side, barring substantial injuries, but Schwarber is a budding offensive star.

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