Chicago Cubs: Brian Dozier is also still out there as a second base option

As spring training is about to begin, the second base job for the Chicago Cubs appears to still be up for grabs. Brian Dozier could still be an option.

We are now just two days away before pitchers and catchers report. As we head into spring training, the second base job is one of several areas on the Chicago Cubs that are still uncertain. Nico Hoerner impressed in a late-season call-up last year, and while he could be a Rookie of the Year candidate in 2020, many still believe the Cubs should go into the season with a veteran at the position.

Throughout this offseason, we’ve mentioned several names that the Cubs could go out and get via free agency to help at second. Jason Kipnis is one of them, and the Cubs have been rumored to be interested. Scooter Gennett is also still out there, as is Brock Holt. There are still quite a few names out there, but one we haven’t brought up yet is Brian Dozier.

I know that this is yet another smaller name that likely wouldn’t exactly inspire fans to stand in line for their tickets yet. However, looking at the practical side of things, if Kipnis, Gennett, and Holt are all in the mix, then why not Dozier?

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups
• Cubs: P.J. Higgins deserves to be in the lineup on a daily basis

The right-handed-hitting second baseman, who will be 33 in May, spent last season with the World Series Champion Washington Nationals. He got into 135 games in 2019, posting an AVG/OBP/SLG line of .238/.340/.430 with 20 doubles and 20 home runs. In the past, he’s been a significant power threat, hitting a combined 76 home runs in 2016 and 2017. Dozier placed in MVP voting three straight years from 2015 to 2017 and won a Gold Glove award in 2017.

The days of Dozier hitting over 30 home runs in a season appear to be gone, but if the Cubs are looking for a veteran to help bridge the gap to Hoerner, they could do worse than Dozier. I haven’t seen any specific rumors linking the two sides, but if the Cubs are interested, Dozier could provide 20 home runs and a veteran presence.

In any case, whether it’s Dozier or someone else, the Cubs would still be wise to bring in a veteran to help at second base. If they do, thankfully, there are still a few viable options out there. The guess here is that Gennett is the most likely candidate since he could be had on a minor league deal after a poor 2019. However, if the Cubs are willing to go with a major league contract for 2020, Dozier could be the guy.