Making the case for Chicago Cubs favorite Ben Zobrist to enter the Hall of Fame

Ben Zobrist defined the term "super utility" player

Zobrist's defining trait with the Cubs and beyond was his utility. Although second base is his primary position where he logged nearly 7,000 innings, he's also played over 3,000 innings in right field and thousands more between the rest of the infield and outfield (including one inning as a pitcher). He wasn't simply playing all these positions either. He was thriving.

By Defensive Runs Saved, Zobrist posted positive marks at four of the seven positions he played, with second base (29 DRS) and right field (27 DRS) understandably being the spots he excelled at. Had the utility Gold Glove or Silver Slugger existed in his time, Zobrist undoubtedly would have had more accolades to his name when you also consider his bat. You could even make the argument that those awards exist partly because of his unique excellence as a utility player. His strong defense at multiple positions is also reflected heavily in his WAR.

Perhaps the best showcase of his ability to succeed in multiple positions was his 2009 season with the Tampa Bay Rays. He became one of only four players to rack up 8.6 Baseball Reference WAR or more while playing ten or more games at three or more positions, joining Cody Bellinger, Stan Musial, and Babe Ruth. During the season, he posted a 153 wRC+ while also setting career highs in DRS at second base (16) and right field (12).

However, the full value of Zobrist's utility can't be measured by any statistics or comparisons. It can only be felt in how baseball responded to his presence. How often have you heard the term "Ben Zobrist-type player"? Since the Cubs favorite's debut, so many players have been branded with that title, from other successful utility role players like Marwin Gonzalez, Kike Hernandez, and Brock Holt, to superstars like Mookie Betts. Plenty of other Cubs players since then, like Nico Hoerner, Javier Baez, and Christopher Morel, have also been referred to by that term at times.

Zobrist was the first player to truly make everyone consider the value of such versatility. Even if his stats aren't quite Hall-worthy on paper, they become much more impressive considering he could reliably be played about anywhere on the diamond. Teams, understandably, desperately want that kind of player who can shift around at a moment's notice to cover for injuries, accommodate new additions throughout the season, get the most out of platoon bats, and generally make the job easier for other players and the manager. To me, that is true impact when your presence inspires an entire league to search for more players in your mold or to whittle other established players into that mold.

As a cherry on top, his unique contributions to the Cubs can't be understated. We all know that, in 2016, he was the World Series MVP of the Cubs team that finally won it all after 108 years, snapping the longest championship drought in professional sports. His go-ahead double was worth 31.3% championship win probability added, making it one of the top 20 most valuable hits in baseball history. He played in three World Series by the time his career was done, but none made quite the historical mark as his efforts on the North Side.

The Hall of Fame should highlight statistical excellence, yes, but its main goal first and foremost is to tell the story of baseball through its greats. In my eyes, you can't tell the story of baseball in the early 21st century without bringing up Zobrist. Whether it's his pivotal role on the curse-breaking Cubs or his nearly unrivaled positional versatility that is far more valuable than any metrics could convey, he's done just enough to make up for whatever bold ink or accolades he may lack on his stat sheets.

Even if the BBWAA doesn't agree he's Hall-worthy though, he'll always be a legend of the game in the hearts and minds of Cubs fans at the very least.