Chicago Cubs: Ben Zobrist is the ultimate glue guy

When the Chicago Cubs signed veteran infielder Ben Zobrist prior to the 2016 season, they knew they were getting a player with a championship background.

After an excellent debut campaign that was capped by a game-winning hit to break a 108-year World Series drought, Ben Zobrist’s struggles in 2017 left Chicago Cubs fans wondering how he would stack up in year three.

With the emergence of Javier Baez as the starting second baseman on the North Side, Zobrist, the prototype for a utility player that can field multiple positions, struggled to find his groove in 2017. His slash line of .232/.318/.375 left much to be desired in what was one of the worst years in his career.

After his phenomenal start to the second half, 2017 seems like an aberration. Despite the frustrating inconsistencies the Cubs have experienced at the plate in the second half, Zobrist has been nothing if not steady.

Despite Baez’s continued ascendancy towards becoming a potential MVP candidate, the 37-year-old has posted a 2.8 WAR this season at the conclusion of play on Saturday while slashing .394/.432/.662 in the second half.

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But perhaps most importantly for the Cubs, Zobrist has lived up to his reputation as a consummate professional. Any former All-Star with a resume as solid as Zobrist might be slightly discouraged with a diminished role after having propelled their respective franchise to a championship, but Zobrist has taken everything in stride.

Back in February, Zobrist told NBC Sports Chicago that he was aware good players on the Chicago roster would have to share time on the bench, but that he was willing to do whatever was necessary for the benefit of the team. He has never been a player defined by his ego, but these comments reflected veteran leadership as the Cubs continue to get their young core more time on the field.

Aside from the superb stat line, Zobrist has embodied all of the intangibles. His versatility in the field has not only made him a pivotal member of Chicago’s outfield rotation, but has also allowed Baez and Tommy La Stella to shift around the infield, spotting the likes of Addison Russell for days off as he desperately tries to ignite his power stroke.

Heck, Zobrist was even ejected for the first time in his entire career in Tuesday’s loss to the Brewers after a questionable called third strike by home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi:

The Cubs managed just six hits and one run in Saturday night’s loss to the Pirates, but Zobrist accounted for the lone tally when he homered in the third inning. In a game where Tyler Chatwood struggled (again) and the bats were silent, Zobrist was still there to give his club a fighting chance.

With a clubhouse that has leaders like Jon Lester and Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist is a crucial glue guy. Chicago is struggling to get in a rhythm offensively, but Zobrist’s consistent approach on and off the field could be the boon that gets everyone rolling for the stretch run.