{"id":11483,"date":"2023-01-27T15:04:24","date_gmt":"2023-01-27T15:04:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/chicago-cubs-predict-2023-mlb-opening-day-lineup\/"},"modified":"2023-01-27T15:04:24","modified_gmt":"2023-01-27T15:04:24","slug":"chicago-cubs-predict-2023-mlb-opening-day-lineup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/chicago-cubs-predict-2023-mlb-opening-day-lineup\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Cubs Predict 2023 MLB Opening Day Lineup"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> [ad_1]<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div><!-- tml-version=\"2\" --><\/p>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<p>Many questions remain, including where all the new acquisitions will take place and who will play where.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-c\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-0\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-0\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-0\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline not-size-b not-size-c not-size-d\"\/>\n<h3 id=\"1-nico-hoerner-2b\">1. Nico Herner, 2B<\/h3>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-c\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-1\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-1\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-1\"\/>\n<p>It&#8217;s a logical fit. <\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-dansby-swanson-ss\">2. Dunsby Swanson, SS<\/h3>\n<p>It won&#8217;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. <\/p>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-2\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-b not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-0\"\/>\n<h3 id=\"3-ian-happ-lf\">3. Ian Happ, LF<\/h3>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-c\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-2\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-2\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-3\"\/>\n<h3 id=\"4-seiya-suzuki-rf\">4. Seiya Suzuki, RF<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-b not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-1\"\/>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-c\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-3\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-3\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-4\"\/>\n<h3 id=\"5-cody-bellinger-cf\">5. Cody Bellinger, CF<\/h3>\n<p>Signing a $17.5 million deal and hoping he rebounds, we won&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-5\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-b not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-2\"\/>\n<p>That&#8217;s exactly what the Cubs should do.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-c\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-4\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-4\"\/>\n<h3 id=\"6-trey-mancini-dh\">6. Trey Mancini, DH<\/h3>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-6\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-b not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-3\"\/>\n<h3 id=\"7-eric-hosmer-1b\">7. Eric Hosmer, 1B<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-c\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-5\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-5\"\/>\n<p>Still, he&#8217;s signed to do the job, and it would be frowned upon if he wasn&#8217;t there on the first day.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-7\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-b not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-4\"\/>\n<h3 id=\"8-christopher-morel-3b\">8. Christopher Morell, 3B<\/h3>\n<p>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. <\/p>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-c\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-6\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-6\"\/>\n<h3 id=\"9-yan-gomes-c\">9. Yann Gomez, C<\/h3>\n<p>It seems reasonable to expect new addition Tucker Barnhart to be a nod on Opening Day. Likely to take and has a previous relationship with Gomez.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-8\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-b not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-5\"\/>\n<p><strong>More from SI&#8217;s Inside The Cubs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong><em>Can Mike Trout ask the Chicago Cubs to trade him?<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Did David Robertson make the Cubs a future star with Ben Brown?<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Horner is a future Cubs shortstop<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Cubs could give Canario a chance in September<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Can the Cubs Acquire Trea Turner in the Offseason?<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Chicago Cubs named new top contender on rankings<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Is this top Cubs prospect headed for Wrigley&#8217;s mound?<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Steele gets a glimpse into the future of the Cubs rotation<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Do the Chicago Cubs have the best bullpen in the National League?<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Can Christopher Morell be a long-term solution in center field?<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-c\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-7\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-b not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-7\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-a not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-9\"\/>\n<aside class=\"m-in-content-ad-row l-inline mm-in-content-ad-row--in-content not-size-b not-size-c not-size-d\" data-ad-group=\"in_content-6\"\/>\n<hr class=\"mm-horizontal-rule mm-horizontal-rule--hr1\"\/>\n<p>  <em>Be sure to follow Inside the Cubs. <\/em><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/InsideCubsSI\" onclick=\"return phoenixTrackClickEvent(this, event);\" target=\"_blank\"><em>twitter<\/em><\/a><em>!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/>[ad_2]<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/__i\/rss\/rd\/articles\/CBMiT2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnNpLmNvbS9tbGIvY3Vicy9vcGluaW9ucy9wcmVkaWN0aW5nLWNoaWNhZ28tY3Vicy1vcGVuaW5nLWRheS1saW5ldXDSAVRodHRwczovL3d3dy5zaS5jb20vbWxiL2N1YnMvLmFtcC9vcGluaW9ucy9wcmVkaWN0aW5nLWNoaWNhZ28tY3Vicy1vcGVuaW5nLWRheS1saW5ldXA?oc=5\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[ad_1] 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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11484,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11483","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb","two-columns"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/usatsi_19165301.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11483","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11483"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11483\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11484"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11483"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11483"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11483"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}