Cubbies Crib
FanSided

Chicago Cubs: What is Ben Zobrist’s role moving forward?

By Adam H. McGinnis

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 12: Ben Zobrist #18 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates with Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs on a double hit by Addison Russell #27 of the Chicago Cubs against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning in game five of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 12, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 12: Ben Zobrist #18 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates with Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs on a double hit by Addison Russell #27 of the Chicago Cubs against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning in game five of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 12, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 13: InfielderPHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 13: Infielder Ben Zobrist #18 of the Chicago Cubs in action during the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cubs defeated the Diamondbacks 7-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Ben Zobrist
PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 13: InfielderPHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 13: Infielder Ben Zobrist #18 of the Chicago Cubs in action during the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cubs defeated the Diamondbacks 7-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Ben Zobrist /

 The times they are a-changin’

Zobrist is seeing less time at second base and more time in the outfield. That’s probably going to continue into 2018. Being even more of a utility player looks to be his role at this point. Baez has his flaws at the plate, but he’s young and may yet figure things out. But regardless, he looks to be the superior defender at second base.

One could argue Baez is just as reliable as Zobrist when playing second base. But Baez also has a certain expeditiousness to his game that Zobrist does not. He may well be the best tagger in all of baseball. The duo of Baez and Willson Contreras on throw-downs is absolutely lethal. The Cubs should justifiably want more of that.

Next: Grading Tommy La Stella

At least for this year, Zobrist probably isn’t going anywhere. But he may begin to see more of a diminished role. This means less starts at second base and more appearances in the outfield. Possibly even less starts overall. That will depend on whether or not he rebounds with the bat.

Home/Chicago Cubs News