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.
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.
