header-emailNEWSLETTER header-email
BNF-hed-desk
BN downarrow Chicago Cubs downarrow How Many 30-Homer Hitters Can....

How Many 30-Homer Hitters Can the Cubs Have This Year? And Other Bullets

Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
Feb 21, 2018
Feb 21, 2018
Chicago Cubs

With a day of rest to make sure I didn’t overdo it on Monday, I’m gonna go back to the gym again this morning for another workout. The difference in my psyche between being able to do things like this and not is pretty substantial, so even if I weren’t getting much out of it physically, I’d still be doing it.

  • I don’t know. I might be underselling it:

  • In all seriousness, I do think that Bryant, Rizzo, and Schwarber have better than 50% shots to do it. Contreras could do it if he’s healthy, and Happ could do it if he gets the playing time. I also think Baez and Russell could definitely do it. For Heyward, Zobrist, and Almora, I think it’s not realistic for a variety of reasons, even in the event they have a great year. And for Lester, his ceiling is probably closer to 20 bombs.

    • (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

  • The Cubs haven’t had a trio of 30+ homer guys since all the way back in 2004, when four Cubs did it: Moises Alou (39), Aramis Ramirez (36), Sammy Sosa (35), and Derrek Lee (32). I’d say this year’s club, in this era, has a good chance at match that feat, and maybe even getting five guys to 30. The 2017 club just barely missed having three Cubs at 30 (Kris Bryant wound up one short, behind Anthony Rizzo (32) and Kyle Schwarber (30)), and had six guys over 20 (add Ian Happ with 24, Javy Baez with 23, and Willson Contreras with 21).
  • Michael mentioned the possible BABIP improvers yesterday in the MLBits (no Cubs), and the possible BABIP decliners just came out … with one Cub: Javy Baez. In short, the spread between Baez’s BABIP last year (.345) and xBABIP (.288) was sufficiently large that it makes you nervous about a huge BABIP regression coming. Speed and baserunning ability is a factor in Baez’s overperforming BABIP, I’m sure, but without more consistent hard contact, it’s hard to keep a BABIP up at that extreme level. And without a huge BABIP like that, Baez will have to dramatically improve his discipline at the plate to stay close to being an average offensive performer overall (he was at a 98 wRC+ last year).
  • If you missed it, all 30 MLB teams will be donning Stoneman Douglas caps on Friday.
  • Albert Almora Jr. talks to NBC about his special connection to Team USA baseball.
  • A Chicago-Cleveland Hyperloop has been proposed, and it would get you between the cities in just 28 minutes (would have been convenient a year and a half ago, right?). But forget that. Get me the Chicago-Columbus Hyperloop, and I’ll buy a lifetime pass!
  • Cardinals not getting love:

  • To see this picture is to know, without any doubt whatsoever, that you’ve never really looked closely at Dusty Baker without his glasses on, because who is this imposter:

  • It was photo day for the Cubs yesterday, and things got fancy:

    • https://www.instagram.com/p/BfcceeiA_mh/

  • Two friends sent me this, because they know it’s right up my alley:

    • https://twitter.com/thenatewolf/status/965876099078021120

  • Fans, tools, and certified refurbished MacBooks are what’s up for Amazon’s Deals of the Day.

    • Read More

    written by

    Brett Taylor

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation. You can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation, on Bluesky at @Brett-Taylor, and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    Brooks Raley
    Chicago Cubs

    Cubs “Have Checked In” on Recovering, But Dominant Free-Agent Reliever Brooks Raley

    Here's an interesting new rumor for Sunday morning. According to Ken Rosenthal at The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs are one of the teams who've checked in on free-agent left-handed reliever Brooks Raley - he of a 2.58 ERA over his...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    Jan 12, 2025
    Chicago Cubs

    IFA Week and the Cubs Class, Festa and Good Weird, More Funds, Woodruff, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Thoughts are still with the folks out west, dealing with the terrible wildfires. Scary to hear that more winds are coming once, which could exacerbate things again. Hopefully there will be enough respite soon to get these under control. The...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    Jan 12, 2025
    Roki Sasaki
    Chicago Cubs

    Reading Roki Sasaki Tea Leaves: Did an International Prospect Change Just Spill the Beans?

    Everyone is understandably looking for tea leaves in the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes, and one of the most obvious ones we all pointed out to anticipate was the breaking of handshake deals with International Free Agent signings. If a team started...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    Jan 12, 2025
    Chicago Cubs

    Farewell, Jorge Lopez – He’s Signing with the Nationals

    By the time the Cubs had added Colin Rea, or even earlier with the Eli Morgan trade or the Cody Poteet acquisition or the Matt Festa claim or the Caleb Thielbar signing or some combination of those plus the many...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    Jan 11, 2025
    Chicago Cubs

    Thinking Through the Cubs’ Moves, Roles and Funds, Rea, Hoffman, and Other Cubs Bullets

    I believe I have shoveled more in the last week than I did all winter before this week, plus last winter, combined. I don't really hate it THAT much, at least now that I have a much better back situation,...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    Jan 11, 2025
    Chicago Cubs

    Blue Jays Land Jeff Hoffman on a Three-Year Deal

    This would've been a very good signing for the Chicago Cubs. Sensibly-priced given the talent and market, and a pretty critical need. But the Cubs of the current front office simply DO NOT give out reliever contracts like this: OFFICIAL:...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    Jan 10, 2025
    Chicago Cubs

    Cubs Signing Old Friend and Former Brewers Starter Colin Rea

    The Cubs have made a pitching addition today, though it's probably not among the names you had on your radar for a significant move. It's old friend Colin Rea: Free agent right-hander Colin Rea and the #Cubs have agreed to...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    Jan 10, 2025
    Roki Sasaki
    Chicago Cubs

    The Roki Sasaki Vibes Ain’t Great, Babe

    To be clear, the vibes on the Chicago Cubs landing Roki Sasaki should never have been particularly high to begin with, and I've done my best to keep folks' hopes in check from the jump. The rumors on the Dodgers...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    Jan 10, 2025
    MLB Rumors have also reached Mets slugger Pete Alonso
    Chicago Cubs

    Lukewarm Stove: Short-Term for Both Bregman and Alonso? Does Cabrera Make Sense for Cubs? More

    MLB RUMORS — Well, we're officially in a holding pattern. The big-time free-agent relievers are still standing by for Tanner Scott to set the market (Andrew Kittredge notwithstanding). Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman are in no man's land and are...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    Jan 10, 2025
    Chicago Cubs

    The Whole Tucker Thing, Mastrobuoni’s DFA, Franklin on the Mound, and Other Cubs Bullets

    'Conclave' was good. I don't have much more to say than that, especially since I'm way late on watching it, and also because I don't know much about how realistic it is. Just an interesting, well-paced story to enjoy. The...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    Jan 10, 2025
    More Posts

    Latest News

    How to Watch

    How to Watch the Vikings vs. Rams Wild Card Round on TV or Streaming Live

    The NFC Wild Card round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs features a matchup between the Los Angeles Rams (who are just 2.5-point underdogs) and the Minnesota Vikings on January 13, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN. The over/under is...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Jan 12, 2025
    Picks

    Saint Joseph’s (PA) vs Fordham Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    The Fordham Rams (10-6) will attempt to build on a four-game winning streak when they visit the Saint Joseph's (PA) Hawks (12-4) on January 15, 2025 at Michael J. Hagan '85 Arena.Saint Joseph's (PA) vs. Fordham NCAA Game InfoDate: Wednesday,...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Jan 12, 2025
    Picks

    Youngstown State vs Northern Kentucky Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    The Youngstown State Penguins (7-10) will look to break a four-game losing streak when they host the Northern Kentucky Norse (6-12) on January 15, 2025 at Beeghly Center.Youngstown State vs. Northern Kentucky NCAA Game InfoDate: Wednesday, January 15, 2025Time: 6:30...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Jan 12, 2025
    Picks

    Lafayette vs Army Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    The Lafayette Leopards (4-11) hope to stop a three-game home losing streak when they host the Army Black Knights (11-3) on January 15, 2025.Lafayette vs. Army NCAA Game InfoDate: Wednesday, January 15, 2025Time: 11:00 AM ETWhere: Easton, PennsylvaniaVenue: Kirby Sports...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Jan 12, 2025
    Picks

    VCU vs Rhode Island Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    A-10 action on Wednesday will see the the VCU Rams (9-8) host the Rhode Island Rams (7-10) at Stuart C. Siegel Center, beginning at 6:00 PM ET.VCU vs. Rhode Island NCAA Game InfoDate: Wednesday, January 15, 2025Time: 6:00 PM ETWhere:...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Jan 12, 2025
    Picks

    IU Indianapolis vs Wright State Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    The Wright State Raiders (4-14) will look to end a nine-game road slide when they square off against the IU Indianapolis Jaguars (4-13) on January 15, 2025 at IUPUI Gymnasium.IU Indianapolis vs. Wright State NCAA Game InfoDate: Wednesday, January 15,...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Jan 12, 2025
    Picks

    Robert Morris vs Cleveland State Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    The Robert Morris Colonials (5-11) will try to turn around a four-game losing streak when they host the Cleveland State Vikings (13-4) on January 15, 2025 at UPMC Events Center.Robert Morris vs. Cleveland State NCAA Game InfoDate: Wednesday, January 15,...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Jan 12, 2025
    Picks

    Villanova vs DePaul Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    The DePaul Blue Demons (9-9) will try to build on a three-game winning streak when they visit the Villanova Wildcats (8-9) on January 15, 2025 at The William B. Finneran Pavilion.Villanova vs. DePaul NCAA Game InfoDate: Wednesday, January 15, 2025Time:...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Jan 12, 2025
    Picks

    N.C. A&T vs Drexel Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 17

    The North Carolina A&T Aggies (8-7) will look to continue a six-game win streak when they host the Drexel Dragons (6-7) on January 17, 2025 at Corbett Sports Center.N.C. A&T vs. Drexel NCAA Game InfoDate: Friday, January 17, 2025Time: 7:00...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Jan 12, 2025
    Picks

    Southeast Missouri State vs Little Rock Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 14

    The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (4-11) will look to stop a three-game losing streak when they host the Little Rock Trojans (7-8) on January 14, 2025 at Show Me Center.Southeast Missouri State vs. Little Rock NCAA Game InfoDate: Tuesday, January...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    Jan 12, 2025
    More Posts

    more cubs news

    Brooks Raley

    Cubs “Have Checked In” on Recovering, But Dominant Free-Agent Reliever Brooks Raley

    IFA Week and the Cubs Class, Festa and Good Weird, More Funds, Woodruff, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Roki Sasaki

    Reading Roki Sasaki Tea Leaves: Did an International Prospect Change Just Spill the Beans?

    Farewell, Jorge Lopez – He’s Signing with the Nationals

    Thinking Through the Cubs’ Moves, Roles and Funds, Rea, Hoffman, and Other Cubs Bullets

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Let’s Revisit (and Update) Jason Dickinson’s Selke Trophy Resume

    Reading Roki Sasaki Tea Leaves: Did an International Prospect Change Just Spill the Beans?

    Farewell, Jorge Lopez – He’s Signing with the Nationals

    Ron Rivera is a New Name to the Chicago Bears Head Coach Search List (UPDATE: It’s Coming Sunday)

    Cubs “Have Checked In” on Recovering, But Dominant Free-Agent Reliever Brooks Raley

    Best Version of Zach LaVine Yet, A Bad Reputation for the Front Office, More Patrick Williams Thoughts, and Other Bulls Bullets

    Let’s Talk About the Connor Bedard, Patrick Kane Blackhawks Comparisons

    Former Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus is in the Running for a New Job

    Latest News

    How to Watch the Vikings vs. Rams Wild Card Round on TV or Streaming Live

    Saint Joseph’s (PA) vs Fordham Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    Youngstown State vs Northern Kentucky Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    Lafayette vs Army Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    VCU vs Rhode Island Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    IU Indianapolis vs Wright State Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    Robert Morris vs Cleveland State Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    Villanova vs DePaul Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    N.C. A&T vs Drexel Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 17

    Southeast Missouri State vs Little Rock Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 14

    NC State vs Pittsburgh Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 16

    Richmond vs Saint Bonaventure Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    UMass vs La Salle Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    Auburn vs Texas Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 16

    Oregon vs Purdue Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 15

    More Posts