Nick Madrigal provides another reason why Chicago Cubs experiment should be over

After the Chicago Cubs' bullpen imploded after an error by third baseman Nick Madrigal in the team's 5-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, the play re-ignited many fans' desire to see Madrigal removed from the 26-man roster.

While many want the Cubs to recall Pete Crow-Armstrong from Triple-A Iowa in favor of Madrigal before the team's next game against the Brewers on Tuesday night, the fact is Crow-Armstrong is not eligible to be promoted to the Major League level until Thursday.

Regardless, Madrigal's gaffe on Monday afternoon was the latest piece of evidence suggesting why the front office needs to end the experiment immediately.

Nick Madrigal continues to add no value to the Chicago Cubs.

There is no doubt that the Cubs have questions at the bottom of their roster but those question marks become glaring when the team's stars--Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki, and Christopher Morel--are not hitting.

But the fact of the matter is that Madrigal's spot on the roster is because of his defense. After impressing at third base in his first run at the position during the 2023 season, recording 10 outs above average, the regression has kicked in for the former White Sox top prospect, who has -2 outs above average at the position this season.

If the definition of Madrigal's role is to be a defensive upgrade over Christopher Morel during the closing innings of a game, he has failed to provide any value to the Cubs this season. The answer for the Cubs is already on their 26-man roster.

Infield prospect Luis Vázquez was promoted to the Major League level last week but has mostly been on the bench, having only appeared in 1 game as a pinch hitter. Vázquez has the best defensive skills of anyone in the Cubs' organization not named Pete Crow-Armstrong. Given his defensive upside, Vázquez should be the defensive infielder on the roster instead of Madrigal, and the switch needs to happen as soon as possible.