A Closer Look at Edwin Rios and the Cubs’ Hot Corner

The Chicago Cubs made an interesting move in their effort to create a well-rounded team by signing Edwin Rios to a one-year, one-million-dollar contract. The left-handed hitter provides a balance to the right-hand dominant lineup while also adding potential defensive depth at third base.

While Rios brings a proven track record of offensive success, where does this leave Patrick Wisdom and Christopher Morel? Wisdom has spent considerable time at third base but can also play the outfield and first base. Morel, on the other hand, has been used more as a utility player, playing in multiple positions, including shortstop, third base, second base, and center field.

Despite their versatility, both Wisdom and Morel have similar career offensive numbers compared to Rios.

The Cubs plan to create a championship-caliber team that involves building both defensive and offensive depth. That depth looks like we’ll be seeing Dansby Swanson and Nico Horner locked in at shortstop and second base, Yan Gomes and Tucker Barnhart sharing time behind the dish, Trey Mancini and Eric Hosmer at first base and Ian Happ, Cody Bellinger, and Seiya Suzuki roaming the outfield. This brings me to my question… Who’s playing third (not first)?

Bleed Cubbie Blue

Patrick Wisdom’s extensive experience at third base and his solid defensive record make him a strong contender for the starting position at third base over Edwin Rios and Christopher Morel. Although all three players have similar offensive numbers, Wisdom’s versatility on the field gives him an edge over the others. Wisdom brings more experience at the position playing 903 innings at third base in 2022. Wisdom’s fielding percentage of .953 and his hard-hit ball rate of 48.8% make him the more reliable option at third base for the Cubs.

On the other hand, Rios does bring a left-handed bat and a potentially solid glove at third base, which means Wisdom and Morel could have to compete for playing time and contribute to the team’s success from whichever position they are asked to play. Overall, the Cubs are looking to create a winning formula that is balanced, flexible, and able to withstand the rigors of a long season.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Milwaukee MLB National League NL Central

Brewers Face Stadium Concerns; Possible Relocation

The 1st place Milwaukee Brewers have been faced with their toughest challenge of the year. After a Thursday visit by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, the Ballpark is seeking mandatory renovations that will cost the organization $428 million. The Brew-Crew has played in the American Family field since 2001. The lease for the Ballpark lasts until 2030 […]

Read More
AL East AL West American League Arizona Atlanta Boston LA Angels MLB National League NL East NL West Philadelphia Seattle Tampa Bay

Picks of the Day, 5/28

I don’t have baseball today because of Memorial Day, so I guess I’ll do quick Sunday picks. I kind of thought I’d be at the hospital welcoming a third daughter this weekend, but the wife is being stubborn and won’t fire the kid out yet.Saturday picks started well with the over hitting in Detroit, but […]

Read More
Credit: SportsLogos.net
Arizona MLB National League NL West

Reno Aces sitting atop PCL West Division

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate, the Reno Aces of the Pacific Coast League (PCL), currently sit atop the PCL West Division and second in the league only to the Oklahoma City Dodgers. Arizona’s affiliates at the other levels of the minor league ranks are struggling. However, that doesn’t mean that their other affiliates are bad, […]

Read More