It’s difficult to say that any of the younger Chicago Cubs success should surprise you. Afterall, these guys are largely responsible for the team’s success in 2015. While there are huge expectations on all of the Cubs, this Cubs youngster is primed to have the best season of them all in 2016.
Addison Russell has always had huge expectations on him, and was immediately considered a steal when the Cubs aquired him for Jeff Samardzija in the summer of 2014 from the Oakland Athletics. Already considered a top 10 prospect in all of baseball, Addison was even ranked higher than another Cubs youngster, Kris Bryant, who went on to win NL Rookie of the Year honors.
Russell’s 2015 performance wasn’t the gold standard rookie performance, but he adapted well to playing second base, and even showed he could hit major league pitching. Where Addison’s promise us, especially for the 2016 season, is just how much better he is at shortstop than Manning the second base position.
Addison was a solid defender as a second baseman, but once he won over the starting job at short he flourished. Through the second half of the season he was widely accepted as the best defensive shortstop in the league, and showed the most range. His improved defensive play certainly contributed to the team’s improved play down the stretch, but also made the pitching staff look great as well.
Coincidently, Russell’s defense wasn’t the only improvement over the second half. He became a much stronger offensive weapon as well. During the second half of the season the Cubs worked on eliminating the leg kick and closing Russell’s stance. Once this was fully incorporated Addison went on to hit 33 points higher, with more home runs, RBIs, less strikeouts, and a higher OBP.
Russell had maybe more importantly created a second leadoff hitter while batting in the ninth spot for the Joe Madden led ballclub.
That last statement might be as important as anything else Addison contributes in 2016. As the club currently does not have a “real” leadoff hitter (with Dexter Fowler electing to test free agency) the Cubs need players that will be able to fill the bases ahead of Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber, and company. While Jason Heyward is a very polished No. 2 hole guy, Ben Zobrist isn’t exactly that top of the lineup type, and the team will benefit from Russell either continuing his growth and becoming a much improved offensive threat.
Equally beneficial will be the added power aspect to his game. While he might not be a 30 HR guy at any point in his career, his quick swing produces more power than I ever anticipated, and could very well be a 20 HR guy this year.
While I, as well as many other baseball experts, expect big things from most all of the Cubs hitters, the production the team gets from Addison Russell might be the biggest.
