Kyle Schwarber looks toned, fit during offseason grind

It looks like Kyle Schwarber’s hard work is paying off.

The Cubs posted six videos on their Snapchat story Wednesday of a noticeably slimmer Schwarber working out two months before the start of spring training in Mesa, Arizona. He appears more fit and toned than he was during the season, which could benefit him and make him a more effective player both at the plate and in the outfield.

Other than lifting weights and working agility drills, Schwarber was working on his batting form in a later video.

All this work during the offseason could be a result of his sluggish start to the 2017 season, and him being hungry for redemption.

Schwarber didn’t live up to hype pressed on him by Cubs fans and the media at the beginning of last season.

After starting the season batting .171 with only 12 home runs and 28 RBI in 64 games, Schwarber saw a demotion to Class AAA Iowa in June. It was something that wasn’t expected at the beginning of the season, but seemed necessary at the time.

Despite the demotion and harsh criticism, the 24-year-old lefty slugger didn’t stop grinding, and he ended the season batting .288 in September.

When all was said and done at the end of the season, Schwarber hit .211 with 30 home run and 50 RBI in 129 games.

As a designated hitter, the Cubs could be looking at Schwarber as a potential trade chip heading into winter meetings. The Yankees have reportedly expressed interest in Schwarber along with several other American League teams.

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