Dodgers vs. Cubs: Position by Position Matchup Breakdown

Kris Bryant vs. Justin Turner

Kris Bryant (5 starts): .200/.238/.300 (4-20), 2 Doubles, 2RBI, 2 Runs Scored

Justin Turner (3 starts): .462/.533/.692 (6-13), 1 Home Run, 5RBI

Another position where we have to choose between two All-Starts. Shocking that these two clubs are in the NLCS again, right?

Kris Bryant is undoubtedly one of the best young stars in the game. Already a two-time All-Star and reigning MVP, Bryant is the best pure hitter for the Cubs. This guy has it all, power, speed, defense. He’s quickly accumulating his postseason at-bats with their recent postseason appearances. In 119 at-bats, Bryant is hitting .252 with 5 home runs and 15 RBI. He’s slowly building his postseason reputation, but this year he’s off to a slow start.

Turner was the Dodgers best hitter in the first half and then regressed quite a bit during the second half. He had an NLDS to remember with 9 total bases and 5 RBI. Turner now leads all players with a .372 batting average in the NLDS. His career postseason average is .377 with 3 home runs and 17 RBI. He’s proving that he’s not one to shy away from the pressure. Turner hits in a big spot for the Dodgers protecting Corey Seager and setting the table for Cody Bellinger. The Dodgers will need Turner to be on his A game to advance to the World Series.

Verdict:

I feel like I keep repeating myself when I say the Cubs’ players are one of the best young players in the league, but can’t edge out this veteran. Turner has the better postseason numbers. I’ll be it in a smaller sample size. But come October, he’s locked in and making pitchers work extra hard to get outs. There will undoubtedly be a time when Bryant surpasses Turner, but not this year with the season Turner just had.