Fansided

Each MLB team’s most surprising player from April

By Joshua Sadlock

Apr 3, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Eric Thames (7) hits a double to drive in two runs in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Eric Thames (7) hits a double to drive in two runs in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Jason Heyward (22) circles the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Jason Heyward (22) circles the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Cubs: Jason Heyward

It may be time to ease up on the criticism of Jason Heyward’s $184-million deal with the Cubs. After hitting .230/.306/.325 in his first year in Chicago and being benched in the playoffs, Heyward is off to a .282/.341/.423 start in April with 16 RBI. He may never develop a power stroke, and speculating on his untapped power is what led to the gross overpayment in free agency.

Heyward worked hard to revamp his swing over the winter, and the changes he made are paying off. The All-Star and Gold Glover has worked hard to utilize his wrists more in his swing, rather than swinging all arms.

"Heyward never blamed anything on the wrist injury last season; perhaps he didn’t even realize what was going on with his swing and why it was happening. During the winter and spring training, he began to get used to using his wrists and hands instead of his arms, as that was causing him to be late on everything. It was a work in progress, and he didn’t feel right until the season began. Scouts saw the same thing in spring training. It wasn’t clicking yet, but as the season began, the bad habits faded."

One thing that never left Heyward last year while he struggled was his defensive prowess. He won his third Gold Glove in a row, and was still worth 1.3 dWAR in right field. Already this season, Heyward has picked up 0.4 dWAR while also spending time in center field.

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