This was originally posted at Cubs Den on January 13, 2020. View the original here.
The Cubs have signed former Cleveland second baseman Jason Kipnis to a minor league deal. Did you know that he’s from Chicago? Yes, that is sarcasm. Everyone knows he’s from Chicago (specifically, Northbrook), and everyone remembers the home run he hit off of John Lackey in Game 4 of the 2016 World Series.
But he’s one of the good guys now, and he adds to an already interesting situation in the middle infield. The Cubs have played their fair share of musical chairs at second base the past few seasons, with Ben Zobrist, Ian Happ, Javy Báez, and young Nico Hoerner all in the mix.
Kipnis, a two-time all star, could earn over $1 million in the deal if he makes the team. He has a career slash line of .261/.333/.417 and a career WAR of 22.2. His 2019 numbers, his age 32 season, showed a slash line of .245/.304/.410 over 458 at bats, with 17 home runs and 23 doubles.
Is Kipnis likely to be a major power surge for the Cubs? Probably not. I do think he has a good chance of making the major league team, despite the possible bodies ahead of him at second base. He has some experience in the outfield, but has played the majority of his career at second or as the designated hitter.
He has a solid, consistent bat and would be valuable at the plate if injuries occur, but his defensive stats are lacking. His 2019 dWAR at second base was -0.3 in 121 games. Comparatively, Zobrist had a 0 on the season in 47 games and Happ a 0.2 in 58 games. Báez is the obvious stand out with 2.2 dWAR over 138 games. Without the aid of the possibility to DH, it’s arguable that the Cubs wouldn’t want to start him at second over their several other options.
Baseball Reference projects a slash line of .235/.305/.405 for 2020 with 17 home runs in 459 at bats for Kipnis. The question obviously is whether his age and fielding will be enough to stay in the competition for regular major league starts.
One good thing about him is that his nickname is “Dirtbag,” which I find delightful. I’m curious to see what the Cubs decide to do with him.
Danielle Sauers 