Chicago Cubs Roster
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Chicago Cubs outfielder Joc Pederson is looking forward to having an everyday role with his new club this upcoming season. Pederson spoke on Friday and mentioned how he turned down multi-year offers from other organizations, but settled with the Cubs due to their vacant spot in left field with Kyle Schwarber being non-tendered and eventually signing with the Washington Nationals. Pederson has felt disrespected with teams not offering him an everyday job, and he is looking to prove the doubters wrong this season. Pederson will have every opportunity to prove that he can hit left-handers, and fantasy managers looking for cheap power that can afford to take a hit in the batting average department should consider the slugger in the later rounds of their upcoming drafts.
Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez struggled this past season and is looking to prove himself in 2021. The talented shortstop mentioned how last season was tough without fans in the stands and his inability to watch his at-bats with in-game video. Baez also felt rushed during the season and had issues with making adjustments throughout the season. He also admitted that the Cubs winning the World Series in 2016 drew him to lose focus with himself being treated as a rock star. The upcoming free agent has been in talks with the Cubs over last couple of seasons and has stated his interest in the past of wanting to remain a Cub. The Cubs ownership has scaled back significantly over the last two offseason's and with third baseman Kris Bryant also a free agent, it remains to be seen what direction the club will go beyond this year. Baez struggled with a .203 batting average this past season and knocked in eight home runs with 24 RBI. The two-time All-Star has a strong enough track record that managers should be confident in El Mago having a comeback season in 2021.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks is likely to earn the Opening Day start when the club kicks off their season at home versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hendricks will pitch in the Cubs Cactus League opener on Monday and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said that will put the pitcher on track for "the start of the season." This comes as no surprise with the Cubs shipping Yu Darvish to the San Diego Padres this offseason. Hendricks pitched to a 2.88 ERA this past season with 64 strikeouts and eight walks in 81 1/3 innings over 12 starts. The Professor owns a career 3.12 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP and 7.6 K/9 throughout his career and is as consistent as they come on the mound. Managers should look at Hendricks as a solid No. 3/4 arm in their rotations for this upcoming season.
Chicago Cubs third baseman/outfielder Kris Bryant is open to negotiating a contract to remain with the team. Bryant will be eligible to be a free agent for the first time after this season and with Scott Boras as his agent, Bryant is likely to command a large contract either with the Cubs or another suitor. The former MVP hasn't been able to top his 2016 campaign, but much can be associated with a flurry of injuries over the last couple of seasons. The Cubs ownership has cut their payroll dramatically this offseason and it remains to be seen if the feeling is mutual to bring Bryant back with shortstop Javier Baez also set to hit free agency and expected to receive a big contract. Bryant, 29, struggled last season with a .206 batting average and just four home runs and 11 RBI this season, but managers have seen what he is capable of in the past and he makes for a prime bounce back candidate in all formats.
Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Brennen Davis has been added to the Cubs Major League Spring Training roster as a non-roster invitee. Davis, 21, is a universal top 100 prospect and was part of the Cubs 60-man player pool this past season, but did not see any big league action. Davis has yet to play above Single-A, but hit .305 with eight home runs, 30 RBI and an impressive .907 OPS in 50 games in 2019. The outfielder has shown promise by being able to hit for contact and power, but he will need to work on his plate discipline to reach his maximum potential. Davis is likely to get more seasoning in the minor leagues to start 2020, but it will still be a good experience for the youngster to be with the big league camp this offseason. Davis is unlikely to offer much value in redraft leagues this season, but he is someone for managers to start considering in dynasty and keeper leagues.