Watch Nick Madrigal rope a 2-run double in Chicago Cubs Spring Training

The Chicago Cubs have been selling the idea of Nick Madrigal being a legitimate option at third base and that has been the position that Madrigal has played exclusively since Spring Training games started this past Saturday.

Madrigal was in the starting lineup on Thursday in the Cubs' Spring Training game against the Oakland Athletics and ignited the team's offense with a two-run double in the first inning.

Part of the reason why the Cubs are experimenting with Madrigal at third base is that the team remains high on the 2018 first-rounder's hit tool. While Madrigal offers little power output, his ability to put the ball in play is what could keep him in the team's lineup.

For Madrigal, the former Chicago White Sox prospect is fully healthy as he enters his second full season with the team. While Madrigal does not have a path to playing his natural position, second base, with the Cubs, third base remains a question mark.

While the Cubs have several options on their roster that are capable of playing third base in Madrigal, Patrick Wisdom, Christopher Morel, Edwin Rios, and Zach McKinstry, each option comes with flaws that would prevent them from being an everyday player at the position.

For Madrigal to be considered a legitimate option at third base it will come down to his offensive approach and ability to field the position.

The lack of power from Madrigal last season led to teams taking away the option of the Cubs' infield to slap the ball just beyond the infield. The shift restrictions may help a batter like Madrigal but he also will need to show the ability to drive to the gaps. Thursday's double down the third baseline certainly was a step in the right direction.