Chicago Cubs: Who will handle second base this season?

Chicago Cubs: Checking in with the rest of the options

Tumultuous seasons off the field from Russell and Zobrist allowed several players to get cracks at playing second base last season.

The Cubs allotted the biggest share of the playing time to Garcia. He made his MLB debut last season at the age of 26. He struggled, but with a lack of other viable options the Cubs had to stick with him.

He finished the season with a .208/.275/.500 slash line, struck out in 43.8 percent of his plate appearances and had a 93 wRC+. With Baez healthy and the mix of guys vying for time at second, namely Hoerner and Bote, it’s had to envision a scenario where the Cubs pick Garcia for the job.

Descalso returns to the Cubs on the second year of his two year contract with the club. He played in just 82 games last season sporting an unsightly 42 wRC+ at the plate. At 33 years old and with that type of production, it’d be a surprise if the Cubs give him any starts at second base let alone make him the everyday starter barring unforeseen circumstances with his teammates.

Ian Happ appeared at second base in 13 games last season. He’ll likely platoon with Albert Almora in center rather than be the Cubs second baseman this season.