Chicago Cubs first MLB signing of the offseason is disappointing
The Chicago Cubs are finally about to make a major league free agent signing. It is not the signing the fans want.
To say that the Chicago Cubs have not been active this offseason would be somewhat disingenuous. They have been making moves, albeit on the minor league side, in an effort to upgrade their bullpen. Of course, those moves could simply be a matter of throwing everything possible at the wall in hopes that one of those pitchers can stick.
However, the Cubs have yet to make a signing on the major league portion of their roster. That may be about to change, as the team is reportedly close to a deal with free agent outfielder Steven Souza Jr.
Free-agent outfielder Steven Souza close to deal with #Cubs, source tells The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 24, 2020
When healthy, Souza has been a solid player, showing solid speed, excellent pop, and the ability to take a walk. However, he suffered through a miserable 2018 campaign with the Diamondbacks, producing a .220/.309/.369 batting line with five homers and six steals in 272 plate appearances, before missing the entire 2019 season due to injury.
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Naturally, that production, or lack thereof, is not exactly endearing Souza to the Cubs faithful. A thoroughly lackluster offseason has led to a great deal of frustration from the Cubs fanbase, especially as the Cardinals and Reds continue to improve. Souza just does not produce anything close to excitement.
Meanwhile, there is another outfielder available that could have improved the Cubs roster. Nicholas Castellanos, who impressed in his 51 games after being acquired from the Tigers, remains in free agency. Not only is Souza not Castellanos, but his signing likely means that the latter will not be returning.
It is possible that Souza ends up being a bargain for Chicago. Not too long ago, in 2017, he appeared to be a viable all around right fielder, producing a .239/.351/.459 batting line with 30 homers and 16 steals. Yet, as he is coming off of injury, it is difficult to envision such a performance in the coming season.
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The Chicago Cubs finally made a major league signing. It is just not the one that the fanbase would have desired.