By all accounts, the 2019 season was supposed to be the last year of Ben Zobrist's career.
The veteran utility man entered the final year of his contract with the Chicago Cubs as a two-time World Series champion and a World Series MVP. Given that he would turn 38 in May, it seemed likely he would play out the final year and then ride into the sunset.
However, Zobrist only played in 47 games, and his promising run in September has him thinking about playing in 2020, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network:
Ben Zobrist, the 2 time World Series champion who missed most of 2019 while going through divorce, is talking about playing again in 2020, though it’s not definitive. Versatile player is a Maddon favorite.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 31, 2019
As Heyman notes, Zobrist took a leave of absence in May so he could deal with marital issues. It was reported that Zobrist had filed for divorce from his wife, Julianna, but the proceedings have not progressed any further. This might explain why Zobrist missed over four months of time.
The Cubs allowed Zobrist some space, and even used some of the money he relinquished (due to the leave of absence) to sign Craig Kimbrel and trade for Nicholas Castellanos.
However, Zobrist told Cubs brass he was intent on returning. In fact, he was one of Chicago's better hitters over the course of the final month. Zobrist slashed .284/.377/.388 in 21 games and posted a 107 wRC+, according to FanGraphs.
Heyman is right in calling Zobrist a Joe Maddon favorite. The two have spent numerous years together with the Tampa Bay Rays and Cubs, and their relationship could make the Angels a logical landing spot for Zobrist.
However, the Cubs would be foolish not to look into a one-year deal. Chicago ranked last in bWAR at second base last season, and Zobrist could be extremely effective at a cheaper price tag.
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