Free agent Emilio Bonifacio deserves a second shot with the Cubs

On February 15, 2014, the Chicago Cubs and free agent utility man Emilio Bonifacio agreed on a minor league contract, then later made the Opening Day roster. He did not disappoint.

Right off the bat, Bonifacio won the hearts of Cubs fans across the globe, proving to be one of the more productive players on the roster who didn’t have to take pitchers deep. Before he was traded to the Atlanta Braves on July 31 along with James Russell, the former Kansas City Royal and Toronto Blue Jay posted a solid .279/.318/.373 with two home runs, 18 RBIs, 16 walks, 14 doubles and 35 runs in 276 at-bats.

More from Chicago Cubs News

• Cubs need to walk the walk this winter after talking the talk
• Alec Mills shocked Cubs fans, baseball world with 2020 no-hitter
• Cubs: After season of adjustments, Seiya Suzuki primed for monster 2023
• Projecting the 2023 Cubs Opening Day lineup
• Cubs: 2022 season a ‘success,’ according to Tom Ricketts

In a move that most of us were hoping wouldn’t happen, but knowing where the team was headed, it didn’t make sense to hold onto someone who had so much value. After being reunited with the team and city where he made his big league debut, thing’s went downhill for the 29-year-old veteran.

Despite making some great plays on defense as he usually does, Bonifacio only managed to record six RBIs with one home run, 36 strikeouts and 10 walks on a weaker .212/.273/.280 line with the Braves. Now a free agent and looking to find himself another place to call home, why not give the Cubs a second shot?

This team is currently looking to find themselves a veteran without having to dish out a draft pick or investing a ton of money. With the team being linked to guys such as Jonny Gomes, it was obvious that Bonifacio felt more comfortable in the position he was in with the Cubs before being dealt.

Surely new manager Joe Maddon would love to have someone who could get on base as much as Bonifacio could and could stick him in the outfield if needed. It will give him the opportunity to flex the lineup once in awhile as he played second, third, center field and shortstop with the club up until the end of July.

His asking price shouldn’t be too steep, so Epstein and Hoyer should definitely consider giving his agent a call before spring training rolls around. That is, if he’s still available.