Chicago Cubs manager David Ross appears set to shake things up at the top of the lineup.
Ross said Wednesday that he intends to use Kris Bryant as his leadoff man to start the season, marking a significant change to how the Cubs have set things up in years past under Joe Maddon.
Ross is committed to Bryant as leadoff man right now: “He’s on board. I’m on board.” Still thinking through how rest of lineup would go. Does value balancing left-right-left-etc;
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 19, 2020
The leadoff spot has been a huge issue for the Cubs since Dexter Fowler’s departure. Last season, Cubs leadoff hitters hit a combined .212 with a .294 OBP. The contrast with Bryant is stark: last season, he hit .282 with a .382 OBP. Putting a player with that much power at the top of the lineup instead of the middle of it may be unconventional, but it’s probably going to solve the team’s leadoff woes.
This may also be an indication that the trade rumors surrounding Bryant aren’t worth paying attention to any longer.
