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Cubs Rumors: Team exploring multiple middle infield veterans
After a quiet week at the Winter Meetings, the latest Cubs rumors connect the club to a pair of veteran pieces who could flush out the infield depth.
Two Cubs rumors surfaced on Friday connecting the team to a pair of veteran middle infield pieces who could provide some needed depth behind the likes of Javier Baez and, should he remain with the team, Addison Russell.
Reportedly, the Cubs have their eyes on former Colorado Rockies All-Star Troy Tulowitzki and longtime utility man Daniel Descalso, both of whom are free agents. Right now it seems that the Cubs have their eyes on depth and not necessarily big free agents like Bryce Harper or Manny Machado.
Jon Heyman reported the interest in Tulowitzki saying as many as a half-dozen clubs are also in contact with his camp. A Cubs scout will watch a workout with the 34-year old infielder and further evaluate their interest. Tulowitzki was let go by the Toronto Blue Jays after missing 2018 due to injury, leaving Toronto on the hook for $34 million.
Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal reported the Cubs interest in 32-year-old utility man Daniel Descalso. He was quoted saying “strong pursuit” which indicates their interest is potentially high. Hard to say how much a guy like him would be demanding, but it is hard to imagine him getting anything more than a two-year deal.
Cubs Rumors: The once perennial All-Star has questions
Half a decade ago, the idea of getting Troy Tulowitzki would be beyond exciting and huge news. The five-time All Star has been a multiple Gold Glove and Silver Slugger recipient.
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Even with some injury issues in the middle of his career, he kept going. From his debut in 2006-2015, Tulowitzki slashed .297/.369/.508 with a .877 OPS, 193 home runs and put up an fWAR of 4.9 or higher six times. Not to mention a total of 83 Defensive Runs Saved at short.
Unfortunately since being traded to the Blue Jays in 2015, the injuries have really piled up and he has not played like himself the past two years. Since 2016 he has appeared in a total of of 197 games, including only 66 in 2017. In that time he slashed .252/.312/.422 with 31 home runs and 105 RBI. Sure, he still has some pop, but it wasn’t the same across the board.
So after not playing in 2018, is it worth the risk for the Cubs? The workout with the scout may determine their willingness to risk it. If he is in physically good shape, it can be a low-risk high reward move. But if the Cubs want to rely on everyone being healthy and they do not see it in him, then they will probably pass.
Cubs Rumors: Descalso may not be exciting, but is a good defender
There are a number of ways to look at the potential of Daniel Descalso. Lets face it, fans certainly do not want him to be the “big move” of the offseason. If that were the case, then it would be a pretty big bummer. However if he is just a depth move in a series of other moves, then Descalso is not a bad asset to pursue.
The strengths of Descalso are pretty clear, versatile man who can play multiple positions with a solid/reliable glove. Plug him in defensively or put him in to give a starter a day off. His bat is pretty much the definition of mediocre, .240/.324/.370 career line with 46 home runs in 997 games.
He did hit a career-high 13 homers in 2018 with Arizona, but has only cracked 10 twice in his nine year career. It may also be worth noting that his last three years he has a respectable .344 OBP collectively and career-high .353 OBP last year as his walk rate has gradually risen. Still, he pretty much projects to be a .240/.330/.390 hitter going forward. Not bad, not special.
No way Kimbrel is worth a nine-figure contract. dark. Next
As the Harper-hopes become more and more in question, these are the types of moves we may end up seeing this offseason. Nothing set in stone, but be prepared for that possibility.