The starting third baseman for the Chicago Cubs appears to still be up in the air heading into Opening Day.

They will probably give their rookie slugger, Christopher Morel, every chance to start at third for the foreseeable future, even if it means they’ll put up with him making errors from time to time.

Considering the defensive emphasis the Cubs wish to have throughout their infield, that is an intriguing remark.

However, securing a spot for Morel ought to be of utmost importance as well, since this would allow many players to take turns playing designated hitter throughout the season.

Patrick Wisdom and Nick Madrigal, the other two players in the mix, are either recovering from injuries or are absent due to injuries.

Morel should have an advantage in being chosen the Opening Day starter as a result of this.

But, J.D. Davis was released by the San Francisco Giants when he was not claimed off waivers, opening up another possibility.

The slugging third baseman, who is coming off a season in which he slashed.248/.325/.413 with 18 home runs and 69 RBI, was previously connected to Chicago.

The Cubs may find it alluring to sign him because the Giants will be paying him a percentage of his contract for the following season because they released him so late in the process.

Davis would be a useful platoon piece paired with Morel, at the absolute least.

At this stage of his career, Wisdom appears to have settled into a bench role and will probably split time between first base and third base.

Madrigal’s injury problems keep coming up, making it difficult to count on him to be available.

Davis would provide them with an additional option at the hot corner, particularly in the event that Morel’s prolonged troubles restrict Chicago’s ability to use him on the field.