For whatever reason, although he’s a “big leaguer” when healthy, outfielder Cameron Maybin never got the call to the big league Cubs, even as spots opened up on the positional side via various injuries. He wasn’t doing much at Triple-A Iowa, which I suppose may have been a factor, but the guy was a really nice bench piece last year for the Cubs.
In any case, he never got the call, and now he’s off to join the Mets, who are in serious need of outfield depth:
The Mets have acquired Cameron Maybin from the Cubs for cash considerations, per source. @BNightengale was first with the news.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) May 18, 2021
A reserve outfielder on a minor league deal was not going to net the Cubs anything of consequence, hence the cash deal. Mostly, this is about getting Maybin a better opportunity, and maybe even opening up a spot at Iowa for someone else when a promotion from Double-A Tennessee is in order.
UPDATING: Just to confirm that the deal was about giving Maybin a shot – the Cubs can now get a small coffee:
#Cubs did not stand in the way of Maybin getting a MLB opportunity. The cash consideration back from the #Mets was $1. NYM canvassed elsewhere and were being hit up for signficiant prospects for short-term solutions.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) May 18, 2021
Thanks for the good times last year, Cameron Maybin, and best of luck with the Mets.
Bye Maybin. Hardly knew ya. Good luck with the Mets. pic.twitter.com/czGb2eZNB8
— Dylan Heuer (@dylan_heuer) May 18, 2021