2014 Padres Year In Review: Everth Cabrera

2013 was a banner year for Everth Cabrera. All-Star Game selection. 37 steals. Career highs in many offensive categories. It made you think the Padres had their shortstop and lead-off hitter for the future.

2014 brought all that back to earth. Cabrera hit .232/.272/.300 with three homers, 20 RBI and 18 steals. He then hurt his hamstring, and inexplicably, got arrested for marijuana possession.

More from Padres News

• Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
• Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher
• This veteran DH target seems ideal for contending Padres roster
• Padres got steal with Xander Bogaerts after Carlos Correa’s mega-deal
• Failed Padres top prospect makes stunning return with minor league deal

I’m already on record in saying that the Padres should cut the cord with Cabrera and I stand by that. He’s arbitration eligible, but to me, the lack of focus, when you’re so close to being back from injury, and you get arrested? C’mon man.

There are a ton of free agent shortstops hitting the market. With some additional payroll flexbility, there’s no reason why the Padres can’t dip into the market and use some money on a shortstop. The $8 million they spent on Josh Johnson could be spent on a guy like Emilio Bonifacio or Stephen Drew, someone with a veteran presence at the position.

Like so many other Padres, Cabrera struggled on offense and with health. Like Yonder Alonso, Cabrera may find himself on another team in 2015. If the Padres keep him, I expect a rather short leash for him.