Chicago Cubs: Potential options to replace Kyle Schwarber
If the Cubs need a veteran presence on the roster, they did sign veteran Shane Victorino to a minor league deal this offseason, providing the 35-year-old still has something left in the tank. In a part-time role, Victorino would be great for the Cubs, but just having him around as these young Cubs continue to grow as major leaguers would be even better for the franchise.
Victorino is a two-time Word Series champion with the Philadelphia Phillies (’08) and the Boston Red Sox (’13), but when he was signed by the Cubs in February, he understood what his role would be with the team in ’16.
Carrie Muskat of MLB.com quoted Victorino during the offseason in an article:
"“I’m just ready for an opportunity and hope to be part of something special. I’ve been blessed in my career to be part of a couple special championships in special cities. I tell myself, being a fan of the game, when there’s a 100-plus-year drought in championships, you always want to be the first. That’s the goal.”"
Victorino could be used in a rotation of left fielders this season, and though he’s played in just a combined 172 games in the past four seasons, in 38 games with the Los Angeles Angels last season he batted .214 but had 18 hits, including two doubles and two triples. He also walked 17 times.
If Victorino were to become a part of the 25-man roster with the injury to Schwarber, he would be like having another coach, but he still could get the job in a limited role if the Cubs use a platoon or rotation of left fielders for the remainder of the season.
In late March the Cubs released, then re-signed Victorino to a minor league deal.
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