2022 Cubs preview and predictions
The 2022 MLB season is upon us and there is plenty to discuss on the Cubs front entering Year 3 under David Ross.
The Cubs get set to host the Milwaukee Brewers for a 4-game series at Wrigley Field with Kyle Hendricks taking the ball on Opening Day against reigning National League Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes.
On the latest Cubs Weekly Podcast, we tasked our panel (Elise Menaker, Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez) with providing predictions and thoughts on a variety of different topics.
Below are their answers. For full context and reasoning, check out the podcast:
Favorite spring moment
Elise: Getting to know Seiya Suzuki
Tony: Ethan Roberts making the team
Andy: Baseball returning, Seiya Suzuki
What is the storyline you’re most looking forward to from the Cubs season?
Elise: Prospects, how outfield situation will take shape and Marcus Stroman’s evolution with Cubs
Tony: Who emerges as a long-term piece?
Andy: Young players taking the next step
Breakout player on the 2022 Cubs
Elise: Clint Frazier
Tony: Clint Frazier
Andy: Justin Steele
Who is the player you’re most interested in watching in 2022?
Elise: Brennen Davis
Tony: Seiya Suzuki
Andy: Ian Happ
Under-the-radar player to keep an eye on
Elise: Alfonso Rivas, Cayne Ueckert
Tony: Mark Leiter Jr., Cayne Ueckert
Andy: Alfonso Rivas, Michael Hermosillo
Who will lead the Cubs in homers this season?
Elise: Patrick Wisdom
Tony: Frank Schwindel
Andy: Ian Happ
Who will lead the team in saves?
Elise: Mychal Givens
Tony: Mychal Givens
Andy: Mychal Givens
What series are you circling on the Cubs’ schedule?
Elise: Cubs vs. Cardinals at Wrigley (June 2-5)
Tony: Cubs vs. Yankees in New York (June 10-12)
Andy: Cubs vs. Blue Jays in Toronto (Aug. 29-31), Field of Dreams game (Aug. 11)
Which Cubs prospect will make the biggest leap in 2022?
Elise: Pete Crow-Armstrong
Tony: James Triantos
Andy: D.J. Herz, Kevin Made
Who or what will be the biggest surprise of the Cubs’ season?
Elise: Lineup
Tony: Lineup
Andy: Bullpen
Who are the teams to beat in each league?
Elise: Dodgers, White Sox
Tony: Dodgers, Blue Jays
Andy: Giants, Blue Jays
Bold Predictions for the 2022 Cubs season
Elise: Cubs will make the playoffs.
Tony: Frank Schwindel will receive at least 1 NL MVP vote.
Andy: Cubs will have a Top 10 bullpen in baseball.
Check out the full podcast above and also catch a sit-down interview with Nick Madrigal on his unicorn skillset, walk-up songs and his first few months in the Cubs organization.