2020 Chicago Cubs Preview: Projected rotation, starting lineup, prospects, win total
SportsLine's John Bollman went 14-1 on his MLB win total bets last season. Here he previews the Cubs and tells you whether to go Over or Under 85 wins.
Chicago Cubs
2019 record: 84-78
Record in one-run games: 19-27
O/U win total from Willam Hill: 85
Key Additions: Steven Souza Jr., Jeremy Jeffress
Key Losses: Ben Zobrist, Nick Castellanos, Cole Hamels, Brandon Kintzler
The Cubs lost a lot of intriguing players, although none of them would be considered cornerstones. Chicago added Souza's bat to the mix and Jeffress as a piece to help their bullpen. A full season of Craig Kimbrel in the closer role is significant, and Jeffress has closing experience if needed.
Projected Rotation
1) Jon Lester
2) Kyle Hendricks
3) Yu Darvish
4) Jose Quintana
5) Tyler Chatwood
Chicago's full starting rotation is returning with the exception of Cole Hamels, who signed with the Braves. Yu Darvish quietly had a great season in 2019, and the Cubs know what they will be getting out of Lester, Hendricks and Quintana. If Chatwood doesn't pan out, they have two rookies in Adbert Alzolay and Alec Mills ready to take his spot in the rotation.
Fantasy-relevant relievers
Craig Kimbrel (projected 41 saves, 3.96 ERA)
Jeremy Jeffress (projected four saves, 3.54 ERA)
Major League-ready prospects
Alec Mills (SP), Adbert Alzolay (SP)
Projected Lineup
1) Kris Bryant
2) Anthony Rizzo
3) Javier Baez
4) Wilson Contreras
5) Kyle Schwarber
6) Jason Heyward
7) Ian Happ/Albert Almora
8) Nico Hoerner
The Cubs recently announced Bryant as their leadoff hitter, seemingly aiming to alleviate struggles from that lineup spot recently. Bryant and Contreras were among the many Cubs playing through injuries in 2019, and Nico Hoerner projects to make the team as the starting second baseman.
Key bench players
Steven Souza Jr., David Bote, Victor Caratini
Should you go Over or Under Chicago's regular-season win total? And what are the top win total plays you can make for 2020? ... Join SportsLine right now to see John Bollman's MLB win total picks, all from the former Blue Jays front-office employee who went 14-1 last year!