Finding an everyday leadoff hitter isn’t the Cubs’ most pressing need, but it’s probably been their most talked-about over the last three seasons. That’s a little misleading when you really get down to it, since the loss of Dexter Fowler left a void much larger than just a hole in the lineup. Along with David Ross, the center fielder served as a tone-setter and emotional leader who just happened to capably occupy the leadoff spot.
Given how fluid the Cubs have been in all other areas, actively seeking out players who can move around the field and the batting order, it seems odd that they’d want a specific leadoff hitter.