In recent seasons it’s no secret the Cubs’ lineup has been missing contact-first style hitters. The Cubs acquired Nick Madrigal from the White Sox as part of the return for Craig Kimbrel at the 2021 trade deadline in an effort to design a new-look offense. It signaled a change in strategy for a lineup that simply didn’t make enough contact in 2021 (or 2018-2020, for that matter). Madrigal is a career .299 hitter in two-strike counts. For that reason, you’re going to hear his nickname, “Nicky Two Strikes”, multiple times in the video linked below.
Madrigal posted a .335 wOBA and a 113 wRC+ in 54 games before a torn hamstring in June ended his 2021 campaign. Adjusted for minimum 210 plate appearances (Madrigal had 215 in 2021), his wOBA would have ranked seventh on the 2021 Cubs, right behind Willson Contreras and ahead of Ian Happ. His wRC+ would have ranked fifth on the 2021 Cubs, sandwiched between Patrick Wisdom and Anthony Rizzo.
Using MLB.com’s Film Room, I pulled together some of my favorite Nick Madrigal highlights from the 2021 season. Check it out and get to know his game. He’s one of the players I’m most excited to have on the Northside in 2022.
The 368 Project 