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

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.