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The Chicago Cubs are almost ready for the 2023 MLB season. With his $300 million invested in the team over the winter, the new-looking Cubs are now not only competitive, but a National League Central contender.

Many questions remain, including where all the new acquisitions will take place and who will play where.

1. Nico Herner, 2B

Herner makes the most sense in this position this season. He has great on-base skills and can maximize his time on the base path. Needless to say, he had a great year hitting .281/.327/.410 in his 2022 at-bat. Horner also had 20 stolen bases last season and is expected to have more this season, especially if he leads.

It’s a logical fit.

2. Dunsby Swanson, SS

It won’t be long before Cubs followers see their new superstar. Swanson needs no explanation, but his second spot in the lineup should fit his skills well and put him head-on to make things happen.

3. Ian Happ, LF

Having Happ and Swanson in the middle of the order is a dream come true for Chicago. The offense has been completely revamped and the opposing team must battle the true gauntlet. Swanson, Happ and Spoiler Alert (!) The combination of Seya Suzuki is deadly in all orders.

4. Seiya Suzuki, RF

Suzuki has had a bit of a roller coaster rookie season in 2022. Sometimes he flashed through great times, and other times he could be seen dealing with the growing pains of playing in the major leagues.

With these struggles behind him, Suzuki should have a great breakout season starting in 2022, building a .262/.336/.433 performance and also hitting 14 home runs.

5. Cody Bellinger, CF

Signing a $17.5 million deal and hoping he rebounds, we won’t hit him late in the order. Instead, believe the shoulder injury is behind him, treat him like an elite player who has proven he can do it, and put him in a high leverage spot.

That’s exactly what the Cubs should do.

6. Trey Mancini, DH

Mancini was signed as a leader as well as becoming an influential player. Mancini is a solid producer at bat and will raise the floor across the offense. There are worse options for sixth than Mancini. It is a proven product that upgrades this lineup.

7. Eric Hosmer, 1B

Unlike the two players in front of him, Hosmer definitely has more question marks associated with him. He has an elite pedigree, but there are concerns about his age and a drop in production over the last few seasons.

Still, he’s signed to do the job, and it would be frowned upon if he wasn’t there on the first day.

8. Christopher Morell, 3B

This one was the hardest to choose. Zach McKinstry and Nick Madrigal are also options, but Morrell has hit .235/.308/.433 in his rookie season last season. We can expect a little more from him in his sophomore campaign.