Chicago Cubs News: David Ross hints at plan for Edwin Rios

The early returns on the Edwin Rios signing appear to be favorable for the Chicago Cubs as Rios is currently one of the leaders of the Cubs in home runs during Spring Training. The Cubs have been in desperate need of a left-handed power hitter and that was the value they saw when they signed Rios to a one-year deal at the start of Spring Training last month.

Cubs' manager David Ross spoke about Rios' power while meeting with reporters this past weekend and the value that the former Los Angeles Dodgers infielder could have with the team.

"“He is a guy that is on the radar that … with a chunk of at-bats could put up some real big power numbers and really help us out,” manager David Ross said. "

- Maddie Lee via Chicago Sun-Times

Rios could find himself in a position that he was never in while with the Dodgers--a chance at remaining in the lineup in a regular capacity.

With Seiya Suzuki expected to be placed on the Injured List once the season starts, Patrick Wisdom is believed to be a part of the plan for the Cubs in right field along with Trey Mancini. Christopher Morel appears to be headed to Triple-A Iowa to begin the season and Nick Madrigal is not believed to be an everyday option at third base. That leaves third base as a question mark for the Cubs as they enter the season and Rios could be the permanent solution before too long.

The biggest criticism of the Cubs' offseason activity is that the team did little to address their need for power. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer emphasized on multiple occasions toward the end of the 2022 campaign that the team lacked the ability to elevate the ball. If Spring Training is any indicator., Rios could be the solution to that need.