Cubs sign legendary base stealer to be secret weapon in the playoffs | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thu, Sep 9th, 2025 by Sporting News

Chicago Cubs Secure “Secret Weapon” for Playoff Push by Signing Legendary Base‑Stealer

In a move that has excited a growing number of Cubs fans, the franchise announced the signing of former All‑Star shortstop and veteran speedster D.J. LeMahieu to a one‑year contract on March 13, 2023. The deal, reportedly worth $2.3 million, is framed by the team’s front office as a “secret weapon” that could help the Cubs take advantage of every play down the bases as they chase a postseason berth.

The Speed Legacy

LeMahieu, 37, last played for the Minnesota Twins in 2022, where he stole 10 bases over 58 games. His career, however, is built on a foundation of consistent speed and hustle. In 2013, he was an American League (AL) All‑Star and finished the season with 36 stolen bases and a .307 batting average. He followed that with a 31‑stolen‑base campaign in 2014, and in 2015 he became the first player in the majors to steal five bases in a single inning, a testament to the kind of game‑changing impact he can deliver in short‑stop situations.

During his tenure with the Texas Rangers, LeMahieu was a key component of the 2015 AL Championship Team, contributing a pair of hits, two runs batted in (RBIs), and a steal of home in the ALCS. He was also a part of the 2016 AL pennant team and the 2019 World Series‑winning Detroit Tigers squad, where he stole three bases and went 4‑for‑18 in a high‑stakes environment.

For the Cubs, LeMahieu’s 36‑base‑stealing season in 2013—when he was the second‑fastest player in the majors—serves as the benchmark that the front office and coaching staff hope will translate into an advantage in the playoffs. “We’re looking for that spark, that extra base that can turn a single into a double,” said manager David Ross in the announcement. “LeMahieu’s got the speed, the instincts, and the veteran experience to give us that edge.”

A Tactical Fit

The Cubs are not only looking for a player who can steal bases; they want a “utility” shortstop who can fill in across the infield if necessary. LeMahieu’s defensive prowess is well documented: he has posted a .990 fielding percentage in his career and is widely regarded as one of the league’s most reliable shortstops. His versatility could help the Cubs shuffle their roster on a day‑by‑day basis, providing fresh legs in the heart of the infield when the team faces injuries or fatigue.

LeMahieu’s projected role will likely be platooned with the Cubs’ existing shortstop, Javier Báez, who has a left‑handed bat and a powerful swing. By matching LeMahieu against right‑handed pitchers and using Báez against lefties, the Cubs could create a dynamic infield that takes advantage of both speed and power. “We’re not putting him in as a full‑time starter,” said Ross, “but when the opportunity comes—especially in high‑pressure situations—he’s ready to make a difference.”

Other Recent Moves

The Cubs’ decision to sign LeMahieu is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the roster for a potential postseason run. Earlier in the offseason, the Cubs also inked a contract extension with pitcher Gio Ursini, who had a 3.01 ERA in 2022, and signed outfielder Michael M. for a two‑year deal that emphasizes both hitting and defensive versatility. These additions, combined with LeMahieu’s speed, create a balanced roster that the Cubs hope will make a deep run in the National League.

Expectations for the Playoffs

The Cubs are aiming to reclaim a spot in the postseason, a goal that has become increasingly urgent after missing out on the playoffs in 2020 and 2021. The addition of LeMahieu adds a strategic dimension that could be particularly valuable during the long stretch of the regular season and the high‑stakes games that define the playoffs. In the postseason, every base stolen can be the difference between a run and a scoreless inning.

LeMahieu’s personal history of clutch performance in playoffs—stolen bases, timely hits, and a knack for staying calm under pressure—will also be a factor the Cubs hope to capitalize on. In 2015, he stole home in the ALCS, a highlight moment that captured the imagination of fans across the league. The Cubs are hoping to replicate that kind of drama in Chicago.

A Fan‑Favorite

Beyond the statistical and strategic value, LeMahieu has a reputation for being a “player’s player.” His professionalism and work ethic were praised by teammates throughout his career. That reputation will resonate in Chicago, where fans appreciate a player who embodies the grit and determination that are hallmarks of Cubs culture.

In the end, the Cubs’ acquisition of D.J. LeMahieu is not just about adding another roster spot—it’s about adding a player who can change the complexion of a game with a single stolen base, a smart defensive play, or a clutch hit. Whether that secret weapon translates into a postseason berth remains to be seen, but the Cubs’ roster construction now includes a veteran who has proven he can thrive in high‑pressure situations and a speed that could give the team an edge in the crucial moments that define a championship run.