Dream Cubs starting lineup for Opening Day in the 2023 season

What would a dream Chicago Cubs starting lineup look like next season?

By Tim Boyle | Nov 6, 2022

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 08: Seiya Suzuki #27 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates with Ian Happ #8 after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field on September 08, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 11: Anthony Rizzo #48 of the New York Yankees hits a home run to right field in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium on June 11, 2022 in New York City. New York Yankees defeated the Chicago Cubs 8-0. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs starting lineup: Anthony Rizzo batting fourth, 1B

Reunited and it feels so good! Many fans may prefer the team doesn’t bring Anthony Rizzo back. If that’s you, it’s a one-year contract. He’s getting paid a lot and despite your doubts, Rizzo hits for a ton of power and provides Chicago with some big left-handed swings.

Rizzo has been with the Yankees for the last season and a half during which he hit .230/.338/.466 with 40 home runs in 748 plate appearances. It’s not exactly what he gave the Cubbies earlier in his career. Rizzo was a lifetime .272/.372/.489 hitter in Chicago.

The power numbers are still there for Rizzo. He belted 32 home runs this past year. The dip in other areas might be a little alarming. However, it wasn’t all that long ago when he was hitting .293/.405/.520 for the 2019 team. It couldn’t have just been the juiced baseballs that year, right?

At least to start the year, Rizzo in the number four hole would be pretty sweet. The Cubs can drop him if needed. There’s already a replacement on the way who may or may not make this dream Cubs lineup in a different role.

First base is definitely a position of need for the 2023 Cubs. Rizzo, for more than the good memories, might be a nice choice.

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