Kris Bryant Could Be the Leadoff Hitter the Cubs Need in 2020
By Karl Rasmussen
One component the Chicago Cubs have lacked over the past few years is a true leadoff hitter. The team has deployed a multitude of players atop the batting order, but none have claimed the spot as their own.
According to insider Bruce Levine, another familiar face will be opening the 2020 campaign as the leadoff hitter for the Cubbies. Kris Bryant will answer the call in hopes of providing a long-term solution kicking off the Cubs' offense.
Breaking news Kris Bryant will leadoff for the Cubs
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) February 19, 2020
In 2019, Chicago featured a handful of different names in the leadoff spot. The likes of Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Javier Baez, Kyle Schwarber, Jason Heyward, Albert Almora Jr. and Daniel Descalso all saw double-digit starts in that role. Meanwhile, Robel Garcia, Tony Kemp, Ian Happ and even Willson Contreras were also installed as temporary leadoff hitters.
Lead it off, Kris.
— Sun-Times Sports (@suntimes_sports) February 19, 2020
Bryant says he can be the Cubs' leadoff hitter this season and bring some consistency to the lineup spot. https://t.co/1MnFG6erSJ
Fiddling with the batting order didn't lead to improved results, and the club ranked near the bottom of the league in most offensive categories when it came to production from the top spot.
Bryant seems ready to step up and try to produce in the role his teammates couldn't.
Kris Bryant” I don’t think I have gotten the credit for my versatility “
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) February 19, 2020
In 2019, Bryant slashed .282/.382/.521 with 31 home runs and 77 RBI. His ability to get on base could prove valuable for the Cubbies as they search to find a stable leadoff hitter.
Most Cubs fans would rather he lead off than leave town, right?