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: Valuing what matters – defense and getting on base

Since the Cubs dealt LeMahieu to the Rockies along with Tyler Colvin in exchange for Ian Stewart,  the former second-round pick has evolved into a defensive wizard who’s no slouch with the stick, either.

He took a fairly significant step in the wrong direction this season – at least offensively. His average is down 30 points and his OBP has fallen roughly 50 points year-over-year. That being said, he’s hit a career-high 15 long balls this year, giving the Rockies some more pop.

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Now, I know what you’re going to say. He plays at Coors Field. Rockies’ players aren’t near as gifted offensively as their numbers suggest. I’ve heard them all – and, honestly, I still don’t care. He can hold his own with the stick and brings a ton of value with the glove.

A two-time Glove Glove winner, LeMahieu knows his way around the second base bag. Pairing him with someone like Javier Baez up the middle immediately gives the team a defense that’s probably even better than the Russell-Baez combo we’ve come to love.

Bleacher Report pointed to the Cubs as a ‘dark-horse’ candidate to land LaMahieu this offseason – which is what prompted this piece. But I hardly consider them a dark-horse at this point. Simply put, he makes too much sense to look past Chicago as a potential destination.