Ben Zobrist would be a perfect fit for the Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are still on the lookout for a few more players to fill in roster spots for the 2015 season. Many names have been tossed around, but with the Tampa Bay Rays signing Asdrubal Cabrera, Ben Zobrist may become a viable option for the Cubs. If you’re unaware of what type of player Zobrist is, think of a Mark DeRosa type player.

First off, the Cubs have become somewhat infamous for bringing in ties from their old stomping grounds. Theo Epstein loves his former Red Sox guys, and now with Joe Maddon, former Rays are a hot commodity in Chicago. But Zobrist should be, and rightfully so. He’s a great all-around player that can fill several of the key needs the Cubs have.

He’s a nine-year veteran, all with the Rays. So Maddon knows him, he knows Maddon. So he’s instantly part of that leadership role the Cubs have been searching for. He also has playoff experience with the Rays, which the Cubs are very light on overall. That could be critical more so sooner than later.

He’s a .265 career switch-hitter, that has averaged around 17 home runs per season. And since 2009, Zobrist has played in 146 or more games every year, so he’s durable. This is where his value will truly be appreciated. Looking at the Cubs depth chart as of now, the backups at shortstop and second base are already starters at other positions. Javier Baez at second, Arismendy Alcantara is in center. Zobrist can essentially play any position, although he hasn’t seen much time at first in a while. So he’s a switch-hitter, with good pop, and he plays everywhere? What are we waiting for? And in comes the kicker.

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Zobrist is 34 years old, and is set to make $7.5 million next season. And he will be eligible for free agency after next year. So how much is a player like him worth to the Cubs for possibly one season?

While the Rays may see Zobrist as expendable, they won’t give him up for nothing.�Cabrera’s signing could open the door for his old team, the Nationals, to make a run at Zobrist to play second. It’s currently their biggest, and honestly only weakness. They may be willing to part with more to make the move than the Cubs would, but it’s a deal that makes sense for Chicago to at least look into.

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