MLB is an incredibly unpredictable world.
Sometimes, organizations known for getting the best out of their players fail to do so with a specific one; and he goes to another squad and thrives.
You could say this happened to former Cleveland Guardians and current Chicago Cubs slugger Franmil Reyes.
He struggled to get anything going in Cleveland, with a .213/.254/.350 line in 280 plate appearances.
The team, needing roster spots and fed up with the slugger’s lack of production, had to release him.
The rebuilding Cubs, perhaps with a better chance of giving him consistent playing time by virtue of being out of the playoff picture, welcomed him with open arms.
He has not let them down.
“Franmil Reyes has 7 extra-base hits in 9 games with the Cubs,” Marquee Sports Network tweeted.
Franmil Reyes has 7 extra-base hits in 9 games with the Cubs. pic.twitter.com/oPDVx5VsMy
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 19, 2022
Reyes Is In An Audition For A Starting Role
It’s impossible he keeps up that pace over a full season, but Reyes has had success in the past, even in larger samples.
He is the kind of hitter that, if he continues to show he can produce over a full year, the Cubs will keep around as they try to compete next year.
Reyes, who is just 27, is already hitting .382/.382/.706 in a Cubs uniform.
It’s easy to forget he hit 30 home runs for the Guardians in 2021, with a solid .254/.324/.522 line, too.
Obviously, Chicago is trying to help him get back to being that player.
He may not have too much defensive value, but he could be a dangerous hitter if right.
For now, the Cubs are enjoying his hot streak, but he will have to keep it up in order to cement his place among the players they count on for 2023.
NEXT: Joe Girardi Is Trying Out A New Role In Chicago