Call to the pen
Fansided

Chicago Cubs: The Addison Russell suspension could lead to offseason decisions

By Benjamin Chase

MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 05: Addison Russell #27 of the Chicago Cubs anticipates a pitch during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on September 5, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 05: Addison Russell #27 of the Chicago Cubs anticipates a pitch during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on September 5, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Cubs
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 3: Adeiny Hechavarria #29 of the New York Yankees holds up the ball after a leaping catch on a line drive by Marcus Semien #10 of the Oakland Athletics in the seventh inning during the American League Wild Card game at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs options: Cover Russell’s suspension time

If the Chicago Cubs kept Russell, they could pursue a player on a one-year deal that would give them depth in the infield and help them cover the time while Russell was out. That would likely not be one of the top infield free agents, but could still be a solid piece for one season.

Depending on the market, veterans Ian Kinsler, Daniel Murphy, or Neil Walker could be the top choices. It’s doubtful that any but Walker will really have to settle for a one-year deal, but if the Cubs were willing to offer the right contract, that may not matter as, of course, money talks!

More likely options would be guys like Adeiny Hechavarria, who would offer a heavy focus on defense for the Chicago Cubs in the time Russell was out, but as he’s shown this postseason already, Hechavarria’s glove can work around the infield, allowing him to be a valuable piece off the bench.

Though the story of playing his final game for the team he broke into MLB with could be a romantic finish, Jose Reyes very well may welcome a chance to possibly win a World Series. Reyes, of course, would bring his own previous domestic violence suspension to the table, though, so he could add even further public relations issues for the Cubs.

Finally, another option the Cubs could consider is former Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar. Escobar received just a one-year deal this season with the Royals, and he certainly did nothing to show he deserves a multi-year deal this winter, hitting .231/.279/.313, though his once excellent defense has seemingly taken a step back, so his value may be such that he would take a contract knowing that he’d be a backup with Cubs as soon as Russell was back.

So if the Chicago Cubs would choose to rid themselves of Addison Russell, what would be their options?

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