When the Chicago Cubs designated Ryan Freel for assignment last week, no one actually expected it would result in a trade. Well, unless it was a trade in name only, and it was actually just the Cubs giving Freel to another team along with enough cash to cover his salary for the year above the pro-rated league minimum.
Well, that’s what happened. At least the Cubs get a PTBNL out of it.
The Royals acquired the 33-year-old utilityman Monday from the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later. Freel has started at five positions in his career, playing the infield and outfield, and has a career .355 on-base percentage with 143 stolen bases.
“We can use him at every position other than shortstop, and his history shows that he has the ability to get on base and steal,” Kansas City manager Trey Hillman said. “He gives us a lot of options when it comes to moving guys around.” Daily Herald.
Hey, that’s what the Cubs thought, too.