Chicago's Own Jason Kipnis Expected to Join Cubs on Minor-League Deal

The Cleveland Indians let one of the key pieces of their 2016 AL championship run go when they parted ways with second baseman Jason Kipnis after nearly a decade of service.

The power-hitting second baseman has already found his next employer in the form of the Chicago Cubs, his hometown team. He reportedly inked a minor league deal with the North Siders Tuesday with an invite to Spring Training.

Kipnis hit 17 home runs in 2019, but he only managed just a .245 clip, far below his typical standard. His reputation had been that of an elite defender with a sweet left-handed power stroke. A career .261 hitter with 123 career home runs, Kipnis could easily find a way to make it back to the big leagues based on his ability to make some insane defensive plays and his knack for clutch hits.

Kipnis still has a lot to give left in baseball, even if the Tribe thinks he's about done. The Cubs might be committed to Javier Baez as at least one half of their starting infield, but Kipnis could easily work his way back to the big time in 2020 if it all breaks his way.