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Chicago Cubs: If this is it, it’s been a heck of a ride for Ben Zobrist
Ben Zobrist is likely in his final days with the Chicago Cubs. If this is indeed the end of his time with the North Siders, it’s been an unforgettable journey.
When the Chicago Cubs signed Ben Zobrist to a four-year deal prior to the 2016 season, I knew he was the type of player that would put the Cubs over the top. This was a young team loaded with talent that would benefit from a veteran presence like his. Though Zobrist has never been a superstar, he’d always been a solid player who played hard and showed a lot of passion for the game.
Indeed, Zobrist made a big impact right away during the 2016 World Series championship season, often batting cleanup in the middle of a loaded batting order and playing solid if not spectacular defense at several positions. He made the National League All-Star team and capped it all off by earning the World Series MVP award. As a newcomer, he cemented his legacy as a Cubs legend during that magical year.
That’s why it seems unfortunate that this is how it might end. Zobrist has had a difficult 2019, mainly due to off-the-field issues, and as he’s about to become a free agent at age 38, it’s unclear whether he will even return to baseball next season. If he does, there’s a good chance it won’t be with the Cubs.
There are currently a few different players in the second base mix for next year, including Addison Russell, Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner. The team could face a crowded corner outfield mix, as well, particularly if Nicholas Castellanos returns via free agency. It remains to be seen whether there’d be room for Zobrist on the roster.
Chicago Cubs: Not the ending we’d all been hoping for
Add to that the fact that this season is ending with a giant thud. The Cubs will miss the playoffs for the first time in Zobrist’s Cubs career and for the first time in the last half-decade. Zobrist’s tenure with the Cubs could have ended on a high note had he been able to help the Cubs get into the playoffs upon his return.
Instead, his triumphant arrival was buried under a long list of storylines as to why this Cubs season turned south. We certainly can’t blame Zobrist’s absence for the club’s lackluster performance this year, as there were plenty of bigger flaws with this roster that led to that.
However, there’s no question that his presence was missed. At the same time, the fact that Zobrist took off so much time to address family issues says a lot about him as a person (and I mean that in a good way). We certainly can’t blame him for taking the time off that he did. Will Zobrist’s personal matters impact his decision on whether he will play baseball in 2020? That remains to be seen, though it isn’t necessarily our business.
We don’t know how much on-field performance will impact Zobrist’s decision, either. He didn’t hit well before he left the team early in the season. However, he quietly has been more than solid since coming back from his leave, posting a .295/.377/.410 line.
Chicago Cubs: Nothing but appreciation for the veteran
Though he hasn’t hit for much power lately, he still could have some value as a high average hitter with versatility on defense. And as we’ve seen, his veteran presence provides a positive impact in the clubhouse. All this being said, given the team’s situation and how much salary it would likely take to keep Zobrist, he simply might not be a good fit on this roster in 2020 and beyond.
But this is no time to mope when we reflect on Zobrist’s four-year tenure with the Cubs. Overall, it was an amazing time, as he was a big part of the Cubs’ 2016 championship season as well as their two other playoff teams in 2017 and 2018.
I’ll remember all his big at-bats, and I’ll especially remember watching him cheering from the dugout as the Cubs rallied in big situations. He was always among the most visible and vocal supporters of his teammates.
Next. . dark
There’s a small chance that this isn’t the end, but if indeed it is, we Cubs fans have a lot to be grateful for regarding Ben Zobrist. I hope that his tenure is remembered for all the good that happened instead of how it is ending. Given his status with Cubs fans everywhere, I am optimistic that it will be.