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While the Cubs’ starting picture is completely settled (especially now that Ian Happ’s salary for 2021 has been decided), the role of 4th / 5th field / bench has been evolving. Last night the Cubs re-signed veteran Cameron Maybin and today they officially made the previously reported signing of Jake Marisnick official.
But he came with a loss of 40 players:
The #Cubs today agreed to terms with OF Jake Marisnick on a major league contract for 2021 with a mutual option for the 2022 season.
OF Phillip Ervin has been nominated for the assignment. pic.twitter.com/ftsTXCixoI
– Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 21, 2021
As Brett discussed earlier today, Marisnick is very likely to be the nominal ‘fourth’ outfielder when the season begins, while Maybin will be competing with a number of back bench options (both in the infield and outfield) like Michael Hermosillo, Nick Martini, Ian Miller, Ragael Ortega, Matt Duffy, Ildemaro Vargas and Patrick Wisdom.
Of course, we originally included Phillip Ervin, 28, in this conversation given his youth and his success against left-handed pitchers throughout his career (113 wRC +) – which was a big weakness for the Cubs attack last season. And it’s not as if Joc Pederson nor Cameron Maybin (nor Marisnick for that matter) have done much to alleviate these concerns. Alas, the Cubs’ 40-player roster is jam-packed and the Cubs chose to keep Marisnick at the risk of losing Ervin (I’m sure Maybin’s landing helped make the decision a bit easier).
Oh, and another thought: Remember the Cubs promised to give Joc Pederson a chance to start every day, even against lefties, which is another reason why risking losing Ervin probably seemed tenable.
But remember, that doesn’t mean the Cubs * definitely * lost him. Now that he’s been DFA and knocked out of the 40-man team for the time being, the Cubs have seven days to trade him, relinquish him or release him. They might just hope that at this time of year Ervin will go through the waivers, as the teams settle their budgets and rosters, and that he can stay with the organization afterward. However, he no longer has minor league options, which makes his path with the Cubs a bit more difficult. Of course, that could also help him avoid being selected by another team on waivers.
Here’s what Brett had to say about Marisnick when the signing was first reported:
Marisnick, 29, is a right-hander who has been near the league average in his career against lefties, but is truly a “reserve” stick against his fellow right-handed people. But he has carved out a successful role for himself in some very good teams because the glove plays well all over the field.
When deployed sensibly, as you can see, he won’t kill you to the plate (although he’s a very tough guy). But it’s the glove that matters the most, as it can be above average in the center and a stud in the corners. Having this guy on your bench is very valuable. He also directs the bases very well and, again, could be a decent stick against lefties off the bench.
Importantly, what you’re looking for here is a replacement for Albert Almora, Jr. The glove is similar, although Almora might be a little better on the eye test (some measurements indicate Marisnick is better, however – he also has always presented as a defensive stallion, like Almora). The bat is probably going to favor Marisnick a lot.
Additionally, once again, the Cubs have decided to strike the one-year big league deal with a mutual option, effectively allowing them to carry money over to 2022 when the budget is expected to be. a little higher / looser.
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