It’s a lot easier to enjoy the smaller deals when some big ones have already taken place and even bigger ones are being teased. But tonight, we already got both, so I can say I’m pretty happy to see the Cubs re-upping with outfielder Michael Hermosillo on a one-year deal (a big league deal, no less!).
The #Cubs today agreed to terms on a one-year major league contract with OF Michael Hermosillo. pic.twitter.com/A17ETsxj7G
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 2, 2021
Hermosillo was non-tendered by the Cubs yesterday, and so while I’m not surprised to see him land back with Chicago (it happens), I am a little surprised that this is not a minor league deal. I believe he is still out of options so he’ll have to stay on the big league roster (he’d either have to make the big league team out of Spring Training or hit waivers). I’ll also add that I thought the addition of Clint Frazier (and Harold Ramirez) meant the end of Hermosillo’s time with the Cubs. After all, the Cubs now have quite a lot of outfielders on their 40-man roster (and especially in the Cubs/Iowa rotation).
So what’s the deal? I’m not really sure. Maybe the Cubs didn’t get a shot at someone they expected to become available through the non-tender process? Maybe they intend to spend their more significant position player dollars somewhere else? Maybe Brett will have a different look at it entirely? We’ll discuss it more soon, I’m sure.
In any case, Michael Hermosillo is back with the Cubs. I know Brett has always been a big believer in his skillset, and I tend to agree with the general take: “I still feel like Hermosillo hasn’t gotten a real shot at regular playing time, and the injuries last year didn’t help. But what he was showing at Triple-A Iowa was awfully impressive, and I can see a big league contributor in there if he gets a shot.”
The Hermosillo signing brings the Cubs 40-man roster up to 39. The deal is for reportedly just barely over the major league minimum.