Fansided

5 reasons the Chicago Cubs will still win NL Central

By Joshua Sadlock

DENVER, CO - APRIL 20: Kyle Schwarber
DENVER, CO - APRIL 20: Kyle Schwarber /
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MIAMI, FL – MARCH 29: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs runs the bases after hitting a home run in the seventh inning during Opening Day against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on March 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – MARCH 29: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs runs the bases after hitting a home run in the seventh inning during Opening Day against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on March 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

4. Schwarber is taking off

The month of April last year was an unmitigated disaster for left fielder Kyle Schwarber. He failed miserably as a leadoff hitter, struck out in a third of his first-half at-bats, spent time in the minor leagues before eventually ending the year on a high note. Schwarber batted .288/.338/.667 with eight home runs and 15 RBI over his final 23 games of 2017 and has picked up right where he left off this year.

Through 29 games and 113 plate appearances, Schwarber has hit .268/.372/.546 with four doubles, seven home runs, 17 RBI and 16 walks. He has cut down his strikeouts and continues to showcase one of the more discerning batting eyes in the National League.

It isn’t a stretch to say that Schwarber has the most raw power in the NL Central. He easily has 40-homer potential over the course of a full season. Last year was a lost year for him, but he did all the right things to get back on track and came into the season looking like a completely different ballplayer.

The Cubs were missing Schwarber’s power last year, but he is finally delivering this year after missing most of 2016 and going through his struggles. His hard work over the winter paid off, and now the Cubs will be able to ride another All-Star power bat to the top of the standings.

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