Chicago Cubs Players Project Update: A Trio of Forgotten 2020 Cameos

[Brandon Glick]

There's more updates to the Chicago Cubs Players Project rounding out the database, including a trio of players who had strong legacies elsewhere before arriving in Chicago during the pandemic.

What is the Players Project? It's a community-driven, wiki-style project focusing on Cubs players of all stripes. It's open to all North Side Baseball users, and we've had contributions from current players, past players, and players who never even made the major leagues but played in the Cubs’ farm system. Create your favorite player today!

Welcome back to our Players Project updates, everyone! The database continues to be filled with notable Cubs players, whether they played their prime years in Chicago or came to Wrigley Field to ride off into the sunset before retirement. This edition of the Players Project round up features three players who many — including myself — probably forgot about after their brief cameos with the Cubs.

We also ask that members of the community who are interested in the project join us in the forums to discuss what the future of it should look like!

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Jason Kipnis was one of the best second basemen of the 2010s, doing much of his damage for the Cleveland Guardians. Of course, as it relates to the Cubs, Kipnis was the starting second baseman for the opposition in the 2016 World Series. He was a huge thorn in the Cubs' side, slashing .290/.313/.581 with two home runs while playing all seven games.

"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" proved to be the mantra of his free agency, as Kipnis joined the Cubs on a minor league deal prior to the 2020 season. Of course, the Covid-19 pandemic then shut everything down for months, but Kipnis did make the 40-man roster once the season got going in July. It was a rather nondescript tenure, as the second baseman hit .237/.341/.404 in 44 games.

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Cameron Maybin had a long career after being selected tenth overall in the 2005 draft, filling the quintessential fourth outfielder role on numerous squads. During the 2020 trade deadline (which took place at the end of August), the Cubs acquired Maybin for infielder Zack Short. In 18 games (56 plate appearances), the forgotten Cubs outfielder slashed .250/.304/.365. He had more triples (one) than home runs (zero) and stole as many bases as walks he drew (three).

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Steven Souza Jr. is probably the least recognizable name here, though he did have a famous highlight in his rookie season with the Washington Nationals when he saved Jordan Zimmerman's no-hitter on the final day of the regular season with a miraculous diving grab.

Needing more outfield depth in the wake of 2019 sensation Nick Castellanos' departure for the rival Cincinnati Reds, the Cubs signed Souza as a fourth outfielder in January 2020. Due to the pandemic schedule, Souza wouldn't make his debut with the team until July, though he did crack the Opening Day roster. He played in just 11 games for Chicago, slashing a pitiful .148/.258/.333 (58 OPS+) in 31 plate appearances.

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Of course, other entries, like Carlos González and Jerry Hairston Jr., continue filling up our database. The Chicago Cubs Players Project is open to all North Side Baseball users. If you're a Cubs history buff or just want to dive into the background of your favorite player, come on board!

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