Chicago Cubs Rumors: 3 hitters to target this offseason

Jed Lowrie, 2B

Just as every upcoming free agent hopes to do, Jed Lowrie performed at an extremely high level in 2018, making him a unique potential target for the Cubs. The switch hitting utility infielder posted career numbers for the Athletics last season, not only at the plate but also in the field.

With Addison Russell set to miss the first 30 games of the 2019 season, the Cubs will assuredly be looking to add a piece that can help fill in during his absence. Not to mention, adding a productive utility infielder should be on every team’s wish list.

Lowrie posted a majority of his 2018 innings at second base, where the defensive metrics were kind in evaluating his performance (5.6 UZR/150)

At the plate, Lowrie produced career highs in wRC+ (122), wOBA; T-1 (.347), HR (23), RBI (99), and WAR (4.9) in a season in which he was a full-timer.

The major cause of concern with Lowrie is his age. He will turn 35 less than a month into the 2019 season, leaving question as to how his bat and savviness on the field will age throughout the length of his next contract.

Lowrie’s production may out-price his services for the Cubs to pursue him. However, in a deep second base market, it is at least a name that the Cubs should keep on their radar, should his price drop.