Chicago Cubs: 5 guys on postseason teams who are a perfect fit

Chicago Cubs: Jack of all trades, master of none – that’s Chris Taylor

If the Cubs feel like they want a guy who is able to move around the field a little bit with positional versatility, but don’t want to break the bank on a guy like say – our old friend Kris Bryant – there are certainly options out there. Some of those options are better than others of course, but finding a guy who can competently play shortstop is certainly a big get if you don’t wanna carry another separate middle infield guy and you’re turning the reins over to someone like Nico Hoerner.

Enter, Chris Taylor. Taylor has played six different positions during his career, including this past season for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has played second base, third base, shortstop, and all three outfield spots for a team that has been very comfortable moving him around as guys get hurt and he’s needed to anchor different defensive positions around the field. Not only can he be moved around to play solid defense all around the field, he can also move around in the batting order, having occupied every single spot (one through nine) this past year in a potent Dodger lineup.

Taylor did just turn 31, so his defensive value is going to be slipping a bit going forward, but on the flip side, it seems he’s picked up his offensive game the last couple years. In fact, he was an All-Star this past season as he got off to a hot start and was being talked about as an MVP candidate early in the season when injuries plagued the Dodgers. Taylor could occupy the leadoff carousel if David Ross wants, having posted a .350+ OBP the past two seasons to go along with his nearly .340 career mark.

Strikeouts have been a bit of an issue for a guy with only 20 home run power, but his walk rate has been over 10 percent the last two years as well. Needless to say, Taylor is going to get paid after some solid seasons, but his age and second tier status should make his a viable signing target if the Cubs are looking for some versatility.