Chicago Cubs: Marwin Gonzalez should be a serious consideration

While most headlines will focus on Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, the Chicago Cubs could go after Ben Zobrist‘s heir apparent in Marwin Gonzalez.

The complete definition of a super-utility player, Marwin Gonzalez is poised to become a free agent in 2019. Coming off back-to-back strong seasons, Gonzalez will undoubtedly be a hot commodity this winter. The Chicago Cubs should make a serious attempt to bring him onboard.

Many fans will remember (or forget), that Gonzalez was once a member of the Chicago Cubs organization. Signed by the club all the way back in 2005 as an international free-agent, Gonzalez tooled around the system until 2011, before being shipped off to the Boston Red Sox.

Gonzalez never made it to the Show with the Cubs but did show flashes of talent during his time in the minors. Unfortunately, the Wrigley faithful never saw him in a big league uniform until he was out of Chicago. Fast forward over a decade later and the team has a chance to turn back the clock.

The state of the Cubs’ depth warrants a sharp look at Gonzalez. Gonzalez is primarily an outfielder, left field to be exact, however, the likelihood that he is brought in to fill that role is not very high. His other central positions are, conveniently, second base and shortstop. Gonzalez filled in this season, totaling 71 games between the two positions.

Chicago Cubs: A jack of all trades

Gonzalez possesses a rare ability to be a viable platoon player, seeing action in every skill position this season outside of catcher. For a player to be able to do that are few and far between these days, and it gives teams a significant advantage for their depth.

For Gonzalez, of the 145 games he played this season, he saw action in either the outfield, second or short in 113. His biggest strength with the leather came in left field, where he posted a very respectable 12.6 UZR/150 and a 6 DRS. However, Gonzalez won’t be brought in to play left field. He will more than likely be brought in to play second base.

Last season, Gonzalez saw a total of 183 1/3 innings at second base. He finished with a less than impressive -0.4 UZR/150, however, did post a positive DRS of 1. Not remarkable, but certainly could have been worse. Another position Gonzales saw the time it was first base. Finishing with 176 total innings, he finished with a UZR/150 of 6.2 and a 1 DRS, which is surprising considering everything else he can do. On days the Cubs need to give Rizzo days off, Gonzalez could also slot in serving as an above-average defender.

Chicago Cubs: Expectations and likelihoods

To put a likelihood with a percentage on the chances of the Cubs signing Gonzalez is a difficult thing to do. However, I would say that the chances are high that they make a legitimate run at him.

Journeyman and Cubs favorite, Ben Zobrist, is 37 years old and is on the final leg of his career, on his way out the door. As Gonzalez is still just 29 years old, bringing him on will keep the team fresh as well as give them someone whom they can carry for a while. Gonzalez would also represent a relatively stable replacement for the former World Series MVP, which would make Cubs fans happy.

Gonzalez will be relatively inexpensive, and I could see the Cubs being able to bring him on for a two-year contract ranging in the $14 to $20 million range. It would certainly not break the bank for Chicago and allow, once again, for much-needed depth with the seeming departure of Murphy and suspension of Russell.

In the end, such a signing could wind up as one of the most underrated moves of the offseason, done without breaking the bank.