Ben Zobrist has finally come full circle, fulfilling what he told reporters in 2020 after his career had recently ended. The man who had the biggest hit in Chicago Cubs history looks likely to rejoin the club this offseason.
Following his retirement in 2020, Zobrist spoke with a small group of reporters, Bruce Levine amongst them. Zobrist said he was enjoying his time raising his kids, but he wished to keep the door open for work with the Cubs in some future capacity.
Now, two and a half years later, Zobrist has spoken with Cubs president, Jed Hoyer, about returning in 2023. Hoyer said in a report by Gordon Wittenmeyer of NBC Sports Chicago that a specific role for Zobrist hasn't been discussed yet, "but I’d love to have him around spring training and have him around the guys."
Of course, Zobrist is a Chicago legend, a personality like that commands instant respect and admiration, especially from a team unbaptized in playoff experience.
Zobrist was only in Chicago for four years, but he made the most of his time there. Across four season from 2016-2019, he slashed .269/.362/.411. He was awarded starter at second base at the 2016 All-Star game, and of course, his 2016 World Series MVP shines above all. In that series he slashed .357/.419/.500 with 10 hits.
Apparently, Zobrist has stuck around the organization for "alumni-type stuff." Hoyer though, is ready for him to take on a bigger role.
"If that expands," Hoyer said, "that'd be great. I'd welcome it."
Zobrist has a unique perspective on the game. He's a grinder who didn't get consistent Major League playing time until age-27. While natural talents like Ted Williams and Barry Bonds have failed as coaches, instructors who are better able to understand the everyday struggles of a Major League player are also better able to communicate with those around them.
"He was a little bit of an older prospect, a little bit more self-made than some guys; that’s a really nice perspective. And he was a switch-hitter. And I don’t think the game came as easy to him as some; he really grinded and prepared unbelievably well," Hoyer said of Zobrist.
With Willson Contreras likely to depart in 2023 off-season, and once Jason Heyward is cut, Kyle Hendricks will be the only remaining player left from the 2016 championship team.
Getting a winning perspective into the clubhouse or front office is vital. Despite manager David Ross's rocky tenure in Chicago, his presence is a reminder of how recently the Cubs were the envy of the National League. Another addition to the roster couldn't hurt.
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