While I am unsure if this is the exact way the Chicago Cubs will use Cameron Maybin, but it makes the most sense. He’s a guy that has played 863 games of his career 1,073 games in centerfield. While Ian Happ has secured the position for the time being, the acquisition of Maybin from the Detroit Tigers certainly opens some ideas.
Maybin is also fast, has 183 stolen bases throughout his career, and has seen significant time at the top of the order. Now, he hasn’t been the most productive at the top, but he’s never had guys like Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, Kyle Schwarber, Ian Happ, and Willson Contreras hitting behind him protecting him.
Maybin seems to be the likely player to push Almora out. I don’t know much specifically, but Almora shouldn’t see many at bats if he remains on the team.
What I can see happening is this; Maybin spends most of the time in center, moving Happ to LF, while then pushing Schwarber to the DH spot vs RHP. When the Cubs face LHP, then we will likely see newly acquired Jose Martinez take the DH spot.
This would likely push Almora to a full time ride the pine type that might see defensive replacement time in CF/LF in late and close situations when the Cubs have the lead or when trailing and it is unlikely that Almora bats.
