Chicago Cubs: 5 players that need a bounce back year in 2018

Ben Zobrist, 2B/OF

For the Cubs’ Ben Zobrist, he an old man in a young man’s team. A huge part of the World Series victory, age might be starting to slow him down. It doesn’t mean he can’t be effective, but his role could be diminished as the Cubs look to get Javier Baez and Ian Happ more at-bats–assuming they are both still there when the season starts.

For Zobrist, it was a tough season. He saw his average plummet 40 points, while injuries slowed him a bit. Zobrist still managed to be a Gold Glove finalist at second base, but that was merely a formality. With two years left on his deal, questions are being posed as where the Cubs should go from here. The fans seem to think it might be time to move on. To trade him. But that is a ridiculous notion.

Next: Cubs set rest of staff for 2018

While Zobrist’s role might change, he’s a solid player that the Cubs will need next season. Even if the Cubs keep all of their young players, many of them are prone to going cold throughout the season. Having a switch-hitting veteran to plug in around the field is one of Maddon’s favorites. It’s just a matter of where for Zobrist–and how much longer.