JUST IN: Cubs Add 1B Dominic Smith on Minor-League Deal
The Chicago Cubs were quite active on Monday, although not in the manner that fans were anticipating.
Reports from Joel Sherman of the New York Post and Robert Murray of FanSided suggest that the Cubs have signed 1B Dominic Smith to a minor-league contract shortly after reportedly securing OF David Peralta on a minor-league deal.
The Cubs can bolster their depth without overspending by signing players to minor-league contracts. Bringing on Smith and Peralta provides the team with experienced players in spring training in case the younger players are not prepared for Opening Day. In the worst-case scenario, this serves as an audition for both players not only with the Cubs but also with other teams.
It’s possible that Cubs fans may not be thrilled with these signings. However, it’s essential to note that these acquisitions do not prevent a potential return of Cody Bellinger before the season commences.
Cubs, Dominic Smith Agree To Minor League Deal https://t.co/aRkjtQXbgG pic.twitter.com/zqw2b7y2dH
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) February 20, 2024
Smith has been linked to the Cubs on multiple occasions in the past. In fact, there were rumors during the 2022 season that the Cubs were eyeing Smith around the 2022 MLB Trade deadline when he was struggling with the New York Mets. In 2023, Smith had a career-high 153 appearances with the Washington Nationals.
During his time with the Nationals, Smith had a lackluster batting line of .254/.326/.366 with a career-best 12 home runs and 46 RBIs. Despite his underwhelming numbers, Smith has a relatively low strikeout rate, which seems to appeal to the Cubs based on their previous interest in him.
The reported contract for Smith would include a base salary of 3.5 million with bonuses if he makes the team. It seems that the Cubs view Smith, along with Peralta, as a backup plan in case Cody Bellinger is not part of the Cubs lineup on Opening Day.
The Cubs can bolster their depth without overspending by signing players to minor-league contracts. Bringing on Smith and Peralta provides the team with experienced players in spring training in case the younger players are not prepared for Opening Day. In the worst-case scenario, this serves as an audition for both players not only with the Cubs but also with other teams.
It’s possible that Cubs fans may not be thrilled with these signings. However, it’s essential to note that these acquisitions do not prevent a potential return of Cody Bellinger before the season commences.
