Since becoming the first draft selection of the Epstein era in 2012, Albert Almora Jr. has had a lot to prove. After all, he’s the only high school player the Cubs’ current front office has taken with their first pick. As such, it took the young centerfielder five years to progress through the minor leagues until cracking the big-league roster in early June 2016 at the age of 22.
After a decent showing in his debut season with just north of 100 plate appearances, many believed Dexter Fowler’s departure would provide Almora a chance to assume the starting role in center.