2025 Chicago Season Projections: Shortstops |
Dustin Riese
-
- Thu Feb 13 07:38:10 GMT-05:00 2025
When the Cubs decided to move on from the core nearly five years ago, Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez were the toughest players to move on from. Rizzo was the heart and soul of the Cubs, while Beaz was, well, Baez.
Losing Baez put the Cubs in a tough spot regarding the shortstop position, as they needed to find a new shortstop quickly. Thankfully, Nico Hoerner was able to step in for the second half of 2021 and 2022, as he was outstanding in taking over for Baez. Despite his success, you always felt that Hoerner wasn't the Cubs' long-term answer at short, and heading into the 2023 offseason, the shortstop free agent class was the best class anyone has ever seen. At that moment, the Cubs elected to swing for the fences, and despite not getting the biggest fish among the three, they still managed to land Dansby Swanson, and the rest is history. Swanson was coming off a career-best season with the Braves, and the Cubs were hopeful that he could duplicate that success with the Cubs. For the most part, he did that during his first season on the Northside, but it was his second year that not only saw Swanson struggle offensively but also defensively throughout the first half of the season. Some would point to his knee injury as the issue, as Swanson underwent offseason knee surgery and is expected to be ready to go by the start of the season. Regardless of his problems in 2024, the Cubs need him to get back on track if they want this offense to reach the levels they know it can. Here are the 2025 shortstop predictions for the Cubs:
Now entering his third season of what will be a seven-year deal, no one has more pressure on them than Swanson. A big reason for that is his season in 2024, as that was one of the worst seasons since turning pro. That can't happen again, especially when the Cubs are paying him the kind of money they are paying him for the length of his contract. If there were any silver linings to take away from last season, a lot of his struggles came from nagging injuries, especially a nagging knee injury that wound up needing surgery at the end of last season. Had that knee been healthy, those numbers would've been better last season, but Swanson isn't going to make excuses for himself, as the bottom line is he didn't play up to his standards. Prediction: 158 games, .257 average, 19 homers, 78 RBIs.Dansby Swanson
When you look at the Cubs roster, you could make the case that Swanson is the leader of this team inside the clubhouse. If that's the case, they need him to step up this season and look like the leader this team knows he can be.
As is the case, Swanson will often never hit for a high average, as that hasn't been his DNA most of his career. Average aside, Swanson will still produce at a high level, play gold glove defense, and do all the little things you look for in a star player. Look for him to have a massive bounce-back year this year, which will be huge for the Cubs.
Nicky Lopez
When the Cubs traded Luis Vazquez to the Orioles in exchange for Cash, it ultimately took away the backup shortstop to Swanson on the MLB roster. Given his durability, you don't need a backup as much as you do for other positions, but you must still plan accordingly and be ready for the unexpected.
That is where minor league free agent Nicky Lopez comes into play, as he was invited to spring. Of all the minor league free agents, Lopez not only has the best shot to make this team out of camp, but many expect him to when you look at what he brings to the table. Not only is he versatile defensively, which the Cubs love, but he plays close to elite defense at several of those spots, including shortstop and second base.
If his bat were at the same level as his defense, you would be looking at a starter for practically any other team. That's not the case, but the Cubs could benefit from him being added to their roster as he is better than a minor leaguer and should settle in nicely on the bench.
Prediction: 84 games, .265 average, two homers, 26 RBIs, 11 steals.
As mentioned, the only way Lopez can post these numbers, or any numbers for that matter, is for him to make this team out of camp. Not only is there a good chance this will happen, but he is likely to be the final bench piece added to this team.
Should that happen, the Cubs are getting a far more valuable player than anyone realizes, as he will take over the role that Miles Mastrobuoni filled as the utility infielder. His defensive flexibility will allow Craig Counsell to get creative late in games while having another left-handed bat coming off the bench should help in the later innings.
