Cubs Rumors: Signing veteran Jason Kipnis wouldn’t be a bad move

Cubs Rumors: Answers regarding several positions on this Chicago Cubs depth chart will be answered as training camp approaches. Could another veteran be brought in to help carry the load?

While the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off yet another blockbuster deal involving a young superstar, all eyes shifted to the Chicago Cubs. Yes, rumors involving Kris Bryant began to pick up yet again, just as things began to settle.

To our surprise, another rumor surfaced and brought fans back to that stressful 2016 World Series matchup with the Cleveland Indians. Chicago’s lineup at the time had Javier Baez and Ben Zobrist splitting time at second base while Addison Russell handled things at short.

Fast forward to 2020, and both Zobrist and Russell are no longer with the organization. Unfortunately, the reasons are completely different as Ben’s future as a player was in question and Russell labeled a liability.

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With Cleveland leading 4-1 in the 7th inning of Game 4 of the World Series, left-hander Jason Kipnis launched a three-run homer to extend his clubs lead. Kipnis, now 32, homered against a team he grew up rooting for as a kid.

The Northbrook, Illinois-native provided a spark to Cleveland’s offense as they went up 3-1 in the series. What happens next would change the course of history, erasing the longest drought in sports.

While the Cubs attempt to salvage their identity, Kipnis remains a free agent after spending his first nine years with the Indians. Last season, Jason suffered a broken hamate bone, resulting in season-ending surgery.

Redemption

Cleveland later made the decision to move on from Kipnis. Entering camp (pending surprise performances), the Cubs have Daniel Descalso, Corban Joseph, David Bote, and Nico Hoerner penned at second base.

Nico will more than likely leave camp early and report to Triple-A Iowa where he’ll continue to work on his mechanics. That leaves a massive hole at second base, and obviously, Descalso has not proven to be the answer following his disappointing first-year with the Cubs.

Now, according to Jordan Bastian on Twitter, the Cubs have apparently been in touch with Kipnis which is no surprise itself. Theo Epstein has signed several individuals who have dealt with season-ending injuries years prior to landing with Chicago.

For example, recently signed outfielder Steven Souza Jr. suffered a gnarly knee injury after slipping at home plate, tearing his ACL and LCL on top of other serious damage within the area. He’ll seek an opportunity at returning to form under first-year manager, David Ross.

Prior to his wrist injury, Jason recorded 112 hits, 17 homers, 65 RBI, and 23 doubles behind a .245/304/.410/.750 clip. No, his batting line isn’t worth a whole lot but there’s a better upside of having him on deck compared to Descalso or Joseph.

Determination and a change of scenery could exactly do the trick for Kipnis and why not do it with the team he loved as a child? Figure out what it would take to put him in Cubbie blue and let the rest work out.

What’s the worse that could happen?