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Arizona Diamondbacks: Asdrubal Cabrera works on so many levels

By James Simmons

Asdrubal Cabrera #13 of the Washington Nationals fields a ground ball during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park on September 23, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Asdrubal Cabrera #13 of the Washington Nationals fields a ground ball during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park on September 23, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Most baseball fans would call Asdrubal Cabrera an aging infielder who has seen better days. True, Cabrera is not the player he was when he winning a Silver Slugger Award during an All-Star campaign early in his career with the Cleveland Indians. However, he is just two years removed from having an OPS of .969 and playing a solid second base on a World Series Champion Washington Nationals team. He will ply his trade for the Arizona Diamondbacks after signing a one year contract.

That 2019 season started similarly to this one, in fact. Cabrera didn’t sign with his new team, then the Texas Rangers, until after the calendar had turned to the new year. He wasn’t a highly sought after free agent, and signed with a Rangers team who was not a serious contender at the time.

Asdrubal Cabrera is a solid fit for the Arizona Diamondbacks

Playing third base, Cabrera struggled with the bat. He hit just .235 and when the Rangers were unable to move him at the non-waiver trading deadline, he was released. Signed by the Nationals primarily for his veteran presence and pinch-hitting capabilities, Cabrera outhit Brian Dozier and took over the second base job through the playoffs. At 33 years of age, he wasn’t washed up. He hit .323 with 40 RBIs in 38 games for the Nats during the regular season.

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He re-signed with the Nationals the following year to be a super sub off the bench. A struggling Carter Kieboom and Eric Thames meant Cabrera would be in the lineup almost every day. Aside from Juan Soto and Trea Turner, Cabrera was the most consistent hitter on the team.

Cabrera can play all four infield positions, though with age won’t be playing shortstop like he once did. Pavin Smith and Josh Rojas are just two the younger players Cabrera will be asked to mentor this season. He brings a wealth of knowledge with him from having played in over 1700 MLB games in his career.

Being a switch hitter allows the Diamondbacks more versatility having Cabrera come off the bench when they are trying to get the matchups they want in a pinch-hitting opportunity.

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For an Arizona Diamondbacks team who doesn’t look to compete with the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers this year, spending just shy of $2M to bring in Cabrera was a decent move.

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