Albert Almora, the third-year center fielder, began the season in the starting lineup, showing all the qualities that made him the sixth overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft. Almora opened the 2018 campaign leading off and showcasing incredible range and feel in the Chicago Cubs outfield.
But as the season progressed, his numbers trended in the wrong direction. A subpar second half with limited opportunities largely accounted for his overall .286/.323/.378 line – a marked decrease from his 2017 slash line of .298/.338/.445.
Ultimately, Almora did not fit the mold of an everyday player for manager Joe Maddon, who preferred to platoon him against left-handed pitching.