Cincinnati Reds positional preview vs. NL Central: second base

5. Jason Kipnis, Chicago Cubs

As best as we can guess, Jason Kipnis, in all likelihood, will be the Chicago Cubs starting second baseman when the 2020 season begins. Kipnis, who’s played the past nine seasons with the Cleveland Indians, signed a contract with a non-roster invite to spring training with the Cubbies. However, he’s not alone for the starting job at second base.

Daniel Descalso, who had his share of success playing second base in 2019, is still on the 40-man roster. Descalso saw 45 games at second base, but a Derek Dietrich-like plunge following a solid start to the season, found him playing very little after April. Descalso hit .098 after May 1st.

David Bote is another option to play second base, as is Ian Happ. However, regardless of who suits up to play position for the Cubs, the other teams in the division have far superior options. That could change, however, if Nico Horner develops like Cubs fans hope, Chicago’s second baseman could climb up this list.

4. Adam Frazier

Adam Frazier‘s 2019 campaign was solid. The left-handed hitter had career-highs in games played (152), doubles (33) and triples (7), all while cementing his place as the Pittsburgh Pirates starting second baseman. After back-to-back seasons of bouncing between the infield and the outfield, Frazier has a home at second base.

Frazier ranked second among all National League second basemen in 2019 with a .989 fielding percentage. However, according to FanGraphs, Frazier had -1 defensive runs saved in 2019. That said, Frazier was still nominated for a Gold Glove last season.