Letting Darwin Barney Go Is Best Option for Cubs Moving Forward

With so many infield prospects coming up through the minor leagues in the coming years, the Cubs are going to have a pile-up at the major league level eventually. To lessen the severity of that situation, and attempt to get more offensive production out of the second base position, it's necessary the team non-tenders current second baseman Darwin Barney, which would make him a free agent. 

This potential move first gained steam when Cubs' beat writer Carrie Muskat suggested that it was a possibility, in response to fan mail on cubs.com. Based on Barney's lack of offensive production, especially in 2013, it's time to let the classy second baseman go. 

Barney is set for arbitration this year, but based on his .208 batting average last season, it's not likely he will command much more than the $562,000 he made in 2013. However, this situation isn't about the money, it's about getting more offensive-production from the position, and clearing the way for young prospects. 

Many would say that Barney is worth keeping around because of his unbelievable defensive play. While there is no arguing that Barney is exceptional in the field, it's not worth it, for a team like the Cubs, to hold onto him. A team that has enough offense, and could benefit more from a defensive-minded second baseman, would be a more acceptable place for Barney to play, but not Chicago. 

Simply looking at WAR (Wins Above Replacement), which is the average amount of games over the course of a season that a starting player will theoretically win over that of a replacement player, Barney had a defensive WAR that was the best in the NL in 2012 at 3.6. However, offensively last season, Barney had a WAR of -0.5. That's not a typo. According to offensive WAR, the Cubs would actually be better off playing a replacement player over Barney. 

By non-tendering Barney and making him a free agent, Muskat suggests that some other moves would have to follow at the major league level. Based on her speculation, Luis Valbuena would make the move from third base to second base, while prospect Mike Olt would slide in at third base. Olt was one of a couple pieces that was sent to the Cubs in return for pitcher Matt Garza last July. 

Making these moves would help the Cubs see what they have in Olt at third base. The answer to that question could help determine if Arizona Fall League MVP Kris Bryant will play third base or right field for the Cubs when he's ready for the leap to the majors. Additionally, when second base prospect Arismendy Alcantara is ready for the next level, the second base job would be his while Valbuena could move back to a utility bench role. 

Barney has been a marvel to watch in the field the past three seasons, but a team like the Cubs, who need more offensive production from every position, need to let go of their offensive liability. It's nothing personal against Barney, who is a class act, but it is a baseball decision. By freeing up room in the infield for current prospects, and trying to increase production from the second base position, the Cubs can start taking more baby steps towards contending in the next couple of seasons.