Chicago Cubs: Five best options for designated hitter

Chicago Cubs: Souza or Kipnis?

Granted, there are a ton of unknowns in general about the 2020 season, but these two guys could present even more of an unknown in this DH debate. Steven Souza Jr. and Jason Kipnis could provide an exciting platoon at the DH spot, with Souza serving as the right-handed option and Kipnis on the left side.

In addition to tracking down balls when called upon in the outfield, Souza could provide some pop against southpaws. At the same time, Kipnis (whose range is no longer what it once was) could allow someone like Nico Hoerner (if the Cubs are ready to pull the trigger full time) or David Bote to get most of the time at second base.

If Kipnis doesn’t end up on the roster, Happ could get the call from the left side of the DH platoon if he’s not in centerfield. If he is, someone like Robel Garcia could be a surprise guy in that spot. I’d say it’s possible Daniel Descalso could fill this role as well, but I think I saw enough of that show in 2019 to be comfortable in slamming the door shut on that possibility.