Cubs sign versatile infielder Jonathan Villar originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Cubs have signed versatile infielder and former Met Jonathan Villar to a one-year deal, the club announced Saturday.
The deal includes a mutual option for 2023. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported the deal is worth $4.5 million with incentives, and the option is worth $10 million.
Villar, 31 in May, is a nine-year veteran who previously played for the Astros, Brewers, Orioles, Marlins, Blue Jays and Mets. He spent last season with New York, hitting .249/.322/.416 in 142 games.
He's a career .258/.326/.403 hitter whose best season was 2016 with Milwaukee, when he hit .285/.369/.457 in 156 games.
Villar addresses a matchup need as a switch-hitter joining a right-handed heavy Cubs infield. The Cubs' only left-handed bats on the likely Opening Day roster are Jason Heyward and Rafael Ortega, and switch-hitter Ian Happ.
Villar has extensive experience playing third and second base, and shortstop. He could be an option to start at third against right-handed pitchers.
The Cubs infield picture now includes Patrick Wisdom, Andrelton Simmons, Nico Hoerner, Nick Madrigal and Frank Schwindel.
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Hoerner could see time in the outfield this season, and David Bote will miss extended time as he rehabs from offseason shoulder surgery.
The Cubs placed Bote on the 60-day injured list Saturday.
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