Chicago Cubs Veteran Most Indispensable Player

It's been a well documented incredible run of play for the Chicago Cubs that have gotten themselves right into the playoff picture. Entering Monday, they sit in the second Wild Card spot for the National League, a half game ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks sitting in third.

Cody Bellinger has gotten a lot of the headlines as he's exceeded all expectations in his first season with the Cubs and is driving their high powered offense into the playoffs. Young star, Seiya Suzuki, has turned his season around from the early struggles and is heating up hitting at the right time.

However, former MLB front office executive Jim Bowden thinks it's another player who is the most indispensable on the team as Chicago continues pushing for their first postseason appearance since 2020.

According to Bowden, it's under-the-radar veteran catcher Yan Gomes who's been the most important factor for the Cubs.

He writes for The Athletic, "However, one Cubs player whom no one about talks is Yan Gomes — that is unless you talk with the manager, coaching staff or front office, who all point to the veteran catcher as their most underrated player. His ability to handle a pitching staff, from preparation to execution, is special; his ability to communicate and motivate are notable; his leadership and mentorship skills are obvious."

The 36-year-old is hitting .268/.311/.423 with nine home runs and 46 RBI this year. Those numbers won't jump out compared to a lineup that is red hot offensively, but it's his intangibles that can't be overlooked.

General manager Carter Hawkins told Bowden, "Gomes makes the pitching staff and everyone around him better and he’s like having a second coach in the dugout."

With pitching concerns still at the forefront for Chicago, having the veteran behind the plate should help the young staff in the highest pressure moments going forward.