Báez’s strikeout rate is most concerning. His 27 strikeouts lead the majors, and he has struck out in 45% of his plate appearances. Conversely, Báez has walked only once this season. Pederson (29.8%), Jason Heyward (29.6%) and Ian Happ (27.1%) are also dealing with strikeout issues, though Happ’s K% is slightly below his career mark entering the season. Heyward’s K% is uncharacteristically high after he averaged 16.2% the last five years for the Cubs.
It’s not too early to have concerns about the Chicago Cubs offense. Here are 5 statistics that help explain their struggles at the plate.
