Report: Cubs have considered trading Ben Zobrist |
The Chicago Cubs have been counting their pennies and nickels as they have had a tight budget this offseason.
No Bryce Harper and no decent relievers have been acquired through free agency or via trade so far with only a few months left to go until the season starts. Say it ain't ZO, as Ben Zobrist has been considered a trade piece according to the Athletic. The club has "bandied about the idea of trading" Zobrist because he is in the last year of his four-year, $56 million deal. Zobrist would likely get the Cubs an excellent reliever or two in return as the 38-year-old brings a lot to the table to any contending team. He batted .305 with 9 homers, 58 RBIs, 67 runs scored, and a .378 on-base percentage last season. His .36 fWar was second on the team behind only Javier Baez. With Addison Russell being suspended for the first 40 games of the season, Zobrist is expected to log a ton of games at second base while Baez handles shortstop. Zobrist talked to the media during the 2019 Cubs Convention about the trade possibility. "I've heard a few things, but I don't pay a lot of attention to it," he said. "I know the team has a tough job in the offseason especially the front office trying to figure out the right pieces to put in place for the next season. I trust them that they are wise and shrewd businessmen and going to make the right decision based on the amount of money that they have. They have proven that over the last few years and the way that they have taken care of the team." Zobrist knows that all of this is business and won't let this bother him as he prepares for 2019. "I am one of the pawns," he said. "You kinda recognize where you are at as a player, and you own it. I don't have a no-trade clause at this point so I could be traded. I am not going to give it too much thought. I'm thinking more about preparing myself for the upcoming season and connecting with my teammates." Candid thoughts from Ben Zobrist: pic.twitter.com/iOSYAeqVfs
