Mark Zagunis

Mark Zagunis

31-Year-Old OutfielderOF
 Free Agent  
2024 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for Mark Zagunis in 2024. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
$Signed a one-year contract with the Cubs in March of 2018.
Decides to sit out season
OFChicago Cubs  
Opt Out
July 23, 2020
The Cubs placed Zagunis on the restricted list Thursday after he informed the club that he will opt out of the 2020 season, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Zagunis will lose his spot in the Cubs' 60-man player pool as a result, though he'll still remain under club control. Had he cracked the team's Opening Day roster, Zagunis likely would have been in line for limited action as a reserve outfielder.
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2018
2017
2019 MLB Game Log
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2018 MLB Game Log
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2017 MLB Game Log
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
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Perhaps it was only ever a fool's hope that Zagunis would find a way to put his excellent on-base skills to use for the Cubs. Now entering his age-25 season, he has made his MLB debut, but is no closer to realistically getting everyday at-bats on the north side of Chicago. His 17.2 percent walk rate led the Pacific Coast League last year and his .404 OBP ranked fourth. However, as a corner outfielder who lacks above-average power and provides replacement-level defense, he would need to be on a rebuilding club to get an extended look as an everyday player. Zagunis, who hits right-handed, has a shot to make the big-league club out of spring training, but he wouldn't even be assured of the short side of a platoon, as more versatile players like Ian Happ and Ben Zobrist profile better in that type of role. If injuries strike or Zagunis gets dealt to a team like the Tigers or Royals, he would immediately be appealing in deeper OBP leagues, but until then he can be largely ignored.
He does not hit for a ton of power or profile as even an average runner, but Zagunis is still one of the Cubs most appealing fantasy prospects. The lack of standout tools helped bury the catcher-turned-outfielder in a loaded system in recent years, but all the while he continued to hit and get on base at absurd clips. He received a promotion to Triple-A in June after posting a 154 wRC+ in 51 games at Double-A. After the promotion his 10.4 percent walk rate, 19.9 percent strikeout rate, .360 OBP and 123 wRC+ were his worst marks above rookie ball. In other words, the worst version of Zagunis we have seen was 23 percent better than league average in the Pacific Coast League. Think of him as a less-heralded Jesse Winker. A broken foot at the end of July cut his season short, but he should be ready for spring training. Entering his age-24 season, the best thing for his value would be a trade to an organization with an opening in an outfield corner.
There's something here. The converted catcher and third-round draft pick in 2014 has a little pop, but the exciting part of his game is his batting eye. He walked 80 times (against 86 strikeouts) for High-A Myrtle Beach last year, and his 122:128 BB: ratio in his two years in the minors bodes well for his future. He also stole 12 bases last year after 16 thefts in his debut season, so he could have a future as a leadoff hitter and on-base machine. He's a bit under the radar, especially compared to the many offensive prospects who have been a part of the Cubs' system the last few years, but he's a good sleeper who could find himself with Double-A Tennessee in 2016 and vying for a spot on the major league roster in 2017.
More Fantasy News
Added to 60-man pool
OFChicago Cubs  
June 28, 2020
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Outrighted to Triple-A
OFChicago Cubs  
September 9, 2019
The Cubs sent Zagunis outright to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday after he went unclaimed off waivers.
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Removed from 40-man roster
OFChicago Cubs  
August 31, 2019
Zagunis was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Saturday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.
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Returned to Triple-A
OFChicago Cubs  
August 20, 2019
Zagunis was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday.
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Up as 26th man
OFChicago Cubs  
August 18, 2019
Zagunis is up as the Cubs' 26th man for Sunday's Little League Classic against the Pirates, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.
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