How can Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki help the Chicago Cubs?

MESA, Ariz. — Part of the reason the Chicago Cubs’ disappointing finish to last season was so heartbreaking for everyone in the clubhouse was the special bond the group felt.

The Cubs return with largely the same group, injecting some new pieces like left-hander Shota Imanaga, reliever Héctor Neris and first baseman Michael Busch, who had his first at-bat of the spring on Thursday night. Dansby Swanson has seen both sides of the step-back approach.

“I feel like at some point we still have to improve, and I think we’ve taken those steps in a lot of different ways this offseason,” Swanson said. “The important thing is that the kids who are here and the kids who aren’t, some of the younger kids like us actually understand what we’re after and what we have to do to get there, and so do I. “I feel like there’s been a really big focus for us in spring training so far.”

For the Cubs to take the next step with this group and turn last season’s playoff-free disappointment into redemption, they will need some of the returning players, especially on the offensive end, to find the next gear.

1. Ian Happ and his production from the left

The 2023 season represented what became a prototypical year for Happ. Most importantly, the switch-hitter had a .360 on-base percentage to go along with a 112 OPS+.

Hitting coach Dustin Kelly believes Happ still has another level to reach offensively, and the 29-year-old agrees.

“There’s definitely more out there,” Happ said. “You go through periods of the season where you’re really good, and then you go through periods where you minimize some of the little things. I did a really good job last year of just keeping going even though I wasn’t able to impact baseball the way I wanted to. That’s how you put a whole season together, but I definitely think there’s more to it.” .

Kelly pointed to Happ’s production on the left wing as an area where he can continue to improve his strength. Happ put up strong numbers against right-handed hitters last season; these included a .380 OBP, .830 OPS, and 16 home runs in 411 at-bats. The addition of Michael Busch and the return of Cody Bellinger will help take some of the pressure off Happ to provide the left-handed thunder. But it’s clear the Cubs see Happ providing more explosion from his lefty, regardless of where he’s placed in the batting order; This could include Craig Counsell’s starting spot up front.

“It’s up to the manager and whatever he wants, whatever he thinks is the best style of construction, I’m open to it,” Happ said. “I don’t think you’ll see the same squad continue for the first 10 games of the season. “It’ll probably be possible to figure out exactly what that looks like as far as our group and Counsell’s manager is concerned, but I’ll go wherever he wants me to go.”

2. Nico Hoerner and his power numbers

Hoerner’s bat-and-ball skills are among the best on the Cubs.

He doesn’t draw many walks, but his ability to hit average and put the ball in play is a defining characteristic of his offensive profile. Hoerner’s power production has increased slightly over the past two years, posting 49 doubles, nine triples and 19 home runs with a .113 ISO and 6.4 XBH% in 1,110 at-bats. That was an uptick from his first three seasons in the big leagues: 15 doubles, one triple and three home runs with a .078 ISO and 5.0 XBH% in 335 at-bats.

“We know Nico can go out there and hit .280 in his sleep,” Kelly said. “But there are a few little things in the lower half that we’re really working on. “He did an incredible job in the offseason.”

Hoerner also incorporated bat speed training into his offseason workouts to help open up his body and give him a chance to make mistakes up front. Hoerner knows there may be a power contract trade-off at times, but he won’t sell out by trying to get more balls into the slot or score runs. He still wants to stay within himself while giving his swing a better chance to capitalize on the power he believes Hoerner and the Cubs have.

“There is power there. If you watch Nico take the BP, there’s a lot of power there,” Kelly said. “He’s just starting to get a little more comfortable and taking chances. And the state of the game will determine that. He’s not going to come out of here and try to score 40 goals, that’s not what we want from him. “But there’s probably a little bit more of that going for him this year.”

3. Seiya Suzuki and his consistency

When Suzuki locks in and plays at his best, the right fielder can be among the best hitters in the league.

Heading into Year 3 with the Cubs, Suzuki has put up MVP-caliber numbers over the last 47 games. In that span, he posted a slash line of .356/.414/.672 with 30 extra-base hits and 37 RBIs.

“I think he realizes he can be that bat in our lineup and he wants to be,” Kelly said. “I mean, one of the things he talks about is showing everyone how good he really is. And this wasn’t just a two-week hot spell. “He had a great second half.”

The big question for Suzuki: Can he reduce their decline, both in terms of how long the festivities can last and the impact on the roster?

Suzuki ideally profiles as the No. 2 hitter on the Cubs because of his approach and threat to hit for power. He needs to develop more consistency to truly succeed as a key cog in the offense. His strong finish in 2023 gives hope that he has found the right balance in the count while being aggressive early to avoid quickly falling into a two-strike situation.