3 reasons not to panic about Cubs slow start

1. Kyle Schwarber has it figured out

Last season was an unmitigated disaster for Cubs postseason hero Kyle Schwarber. The experimental stint in the leadoff spot was a colossal bust, and things eventually got so bad for the big left fielder that he spent two weeks at Triple-A to try and work things out. The final numbers for Schwarber’s first full season in the big leagues were ugly — .211/.315/.467 with 150 strikeouts in 129 games.

Despite the dismal final slash line, Schwarber did hit 30 home runs and managed a much higher .894 OPS in the second half. While a third straight postseason full of heroics was not in the cards for the 25-year-old, the Cubs and their fans had every right to remain optimistic about the future for the big slugger.

Schwarber reported to camp in phenomenal shape, and looks completely changed at the plate. Through his first 19 games, he is hitting .302/.413/.635 with three doubles, six home runs, 16 RBI and 12 walks. Schwarber is still striking out once a game, but is hitting the ball hard and avoiding the weak popups that plagued him last year. Already known for having one of the best eyes in the game, he has cut his chase rate by nearly five percent in the early going.

All signs point to Schwarber materializing into the elite power threat the Cubs were so excited about in 2015. With a second full offseason behind him after the knee injury, Schwarber is locked in and ready for his first All-Star season.