Cubs to Sign Scott Hairston

The Chicago Cubs have reportedly reached an agreement on a two year deal with outfielder Scott Hairston, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. The deal is pending a physical, which could possibly take place later today. It is believed that the deal could be worth up to $6 Million, including incentives.

Outfielder Scott Hairston could see regular playing time across the Cubs outfield after agreeing to a two year deal. (Image Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports)

Hairston is coming off of a career season with the New York Mets, batting .263/.299/.504 with 20 HR and 57 RBI over 398 plate appearances while seeing time across all three outfield positions. He particularly hit left-handed pitching well, with a .298/.317/.550 line, which added to his value on the open market this winter. Hairston earned $1.1 Million this past season.

Both New York teams were known to have interest in signing Hairston at varying points over the past month, but neither appeared interested in extending an offer longer than a one year commitment. The Atlanta Braves were also rumored to have interest at one point in the 32 year old.

Chicago’s project outfield is heavily left-handed, suggesting that the addition of Hairston could prove to take some of the offensive pressures off of both David DeJesus and Nate Schierholtz. Hairston and Schierholtz will likely form a platoon in right field, with Hairston receiving plenty of regular playing time off the bench as the team’s fourth outfielder. His presence likely also limits the potential opportunities that Brett Jackson may see for playing time in Chicago, at least initially, which could bode well for the young prospect. Jackson struggled with a callup to Chicago last year and could benefit from some additional seasoning in the minor leagues.