Chicago Cubs: Five prospects who could help the Cubs in 2017

Mark Zagunis, OF

Mark Zagunis is a jack of all trades. He has logged innings at every outfield position and catcher during his first four seasons in the minors.

Along with being able to play multiple positions, Zagunis has a knack for getting on base. Last season, in 101 games between Double-A and Triple-A, Zagunis recorded a .384 OBP. In fact, in more than 1,200 plate appearances in the minors, Zagunis has an OBP of .396.

The Cubs could use that high OBP, and defensive versatility. Ben Zobrist is off to a slow start at the plate as he is hitting .188, while Javier Baez is hitting .205 with a 33.3 percent strikeout rate.

On the days that Albert Almora is out of the lineup and Jason Heyward is starting in center field, instead of putting Zobrist in right field, insert Zagunis at the position. That would mean bench the struggling Baez.

Baez not the logical choice given struggles

Benching Baez would be the best decision for the Cubs right now as he has a .262 OBP and .282 slugging percentage.

Zagunis can provide the Cubs with a high on-base percentage that they are not getting from Baez. Despite a low batting average, Zobrist does have a solid .328 OBP, so he can remain in the line-up.

With Zagunis’ ability to play multiple outfield positions, Kyle Schwarber could get a day off without sacrificing many OBP points.

Zagunis is off to a slow start in Triple-A (.119/.260/.214), but the numbers suggest he will end the season with close to a .400 OBP.