Chicago Cubs: Could the team look to reunite with D.J. LeMahieu?

Given how much Joe Maddon values defensive versatility and prowess, could the Chicago Cubs reunite with 2009 draft pick D.J. LeMahieu this offseason?

The Chicago Cubs middle infield is far from the long-term strength we perceived it to be just a couple short years ago. While Javier Baez has emerged as a National League MVP candidate, it seems pretty unlikely Addison Russell ever plays another game on the North Side.

So let’s assume the Cubs and Russell part ways at some point before Opening Day 2019. Where does Theo Epstein turn to fill the other middle infield spot? Does he consider retaining veteran (and semi-injury prone) Daniel Murphy?

I’d wager against such a move given Murphy’s shoddy defense, history of back problems and age (he turns 34 next April). So does Tommy La Stella or David Bote take the reins at second? Not if the Cubs want to have a shot at a fifth-straight postseason appearance.

Instead, the team could look at a familiar face – current Colorado Rockies infielder D.J. LaMahieu.

Chicago Cubs: Rounding out a loaded infield situation

Now, here’s the caveat in all this. If LeMahieu hits the open market and decides to focus on a big-time pay day, the Cubs may think twice. But I can’t say such a desire would be unwarranted for the 30-year-old infielder.

Since 2014, he’s racked up a pair of All-Star appearances, two Gold Gloves and even some MVP votes. In short, he’s come a long way from his days as a second-round draft pick who hit just .250 in his Chicago Cubs career.

But if the trends of last winter extend to the coming offseason, seeing such a lucrative payday come to fruition may not be a realistic expectation for LeMahieu. If he chose to take a two-year, $20 million deal (he’s never made more than $8.5 million in a season) – the Cubs may get involved.

It’s too soon to tell for a variety of reasons. No one knows what the future holds for Addison Russell. The Cubs are far from focused on the coming winter – they’re still very much honed in on closing out the regular season.

But when it’s all said and done – regardless of how the book closes on the 2018 campaign, don’t be shocked to see D.J. LeMahieu linked to the team that drafted him all those years ago.