Cubs: Potential depth players impressing this spring

Another infield depth player who got some playing time with the Cubs in 2020.

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Ildemaro Vargas is currently on the team’s 40-man roster, giving him a possible leg up on making the roster. Vargas played in 14 games in 2020 between the Diamondbacks, Twins and Cubs. He has 142 MLB games under his belt and sports a .254/.282/.391 slash. Cubs fans will remember him homering off Josh Hader last year after Jason Heyward hit a go-ahead three run shot off him.

So far this spring he is tied with Anthony Rizzo, Ian Happ and David Bote for third on the team in hits with 11. He has a walk and two doubles. His slash sits at .333/.354/.485.

His primary position is second, while also playing third base. Most of his potential time with the Cubs would be as a pinch-hitter/sub and maybe an occasional start.

Think somewhat like a Tommy La Stella type but not used as frequently. The last infield depth competition could very well be between Vargas and Sogard. As mentioned earlier, Vargas is on the 40-man roster but Sogard has more experience and an overall better track record.

The final few games this spring could determine who is placed where come Opening Day. Marisnick and Bote will be on the roster with Sogard and Vargas being a coin flip.