The Chicago Cubs are trying to shore up their roster in every conceivable way even as the team gathers in Arizona for spring training, and on Friday they took another step in that direction as they agreed to a minor-league deal with Shane Victorino.
Victorino, who has won four Gold Gloves in his career, will join the Cubs at their spring training complex in Mesa, and if he ends up making the team, he will make $1 million this season, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick.
The signing also comes with a bit of an interesting twist. According to Jon Heyman of CBS, the Cubs had already agreed to a contract with Victorino before the team revealed their surprise signing of Dexter Fowler on Thursday morning, but the club still intends on honoring Victorino’s deal with the organization.
Victorino did have a subpar 2015 season, as he hit just one home run and drove in seven RBI in 204 plate appearances with the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, but his postseason experience and defensive prowess are both things that obviously intrigue the Cubs’ front office. The team is constantly looking to improve their outfield defense, and if Victorino can make the roster, he would make a solid fill-in player in all three outfield spots.