The Cubs have re-signed outfielder Michael Hermosillo to a one-year Major League contract, per the team. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweets that the contract is worth $600k. The 26-year-old outfielder was not tendered a contract yesterday in advance of the MLB non-tender deadline.
The well-rounded outfielder battled injuries last season but managed a power-happy approach in his short time with the Cubs, posting a .194/.237/.500 slash line with three home runs through 38 plate appearances. This was Hermosillo’s first year with the Cubs organization after being designated for assignment by the Angels last year.
Hermosillo is presently set to team with recent Chicago addition Harold Ramirez as outfielders who can cover all three spots. As the Major League-nature of this deal indicates, however, the Cubs likely hope Hermosillo forces their hand and battles his way into a starting spot next season. Despite his sporadic action at the game’s highest level, the outfielder has proven dynamic in 203 Triple-A games, boasting an OPS of .863 with 42 home runs and 33 steals (in 47 tries).
Basically a Mike Tauchman
hope they can give him a longer shot. I think he has reserve OF potnetial with some patience still.
Agree and he is a great human interest story as well
Platoon with Ortega to start the season?
Ortega and/or Heyward. While J-Hey isn’t a good hitter in general, he’s even worse vs. LHP. (.231 vs LHP and .269 vs. RHP).
Barring injury or trade, I can’t see Ortega and Hermosillo on the same major league roster.
Frazier, Happ and Heyward will get the bulk of the starting opportunities in the outfield.
Ramirez and one of Hermosillo and Ortega are likely to be (or to be competing for) the backup OF jobs.
If nothing happens and they’re all rostered, I don’t see a place for both. I don’t see the Cubs carrying 6 OFs. Maybe if they viewed one of them as a DH, but Schwindel should probably slide to DH if it comes to the NL
Wisdom also can kick it in the OF. Doubt they hold all of them.
Ortega’s LH bat will get the chance to play (almost) everyday. His numbers vs LHP are weak, but he will play (almost) every day against RHP. Ramirez and Hermosillo will battle it out to be the RH side of that platoon once a week vs LHP. No real need for Ramirez, Frazier and Hermosillo other than MiLB depth.
This is a pleasant surprise. A great player and a person. Reminded me of Javy how played the game with a lot of joy.
This was totally the feel-good move of the day!
I like the signing. Maybe Happ. Ortega, Hermosillo and Ramirez have the most promise. Frazier, Deichmann and Heyward, not so much.
Frazier and Deichmann do have potential. Frazier is a head case- his injury was a concussion. If he is healthy will do great in Chicago. Obviously Heyward is shot and just waiting for the Cubs to send him packing with 40 million rather than retire and not get paid. The most painful thing about his contract is having to watch him play everyday.
I’m dreaming of an Hermosillo-Astudillo combo
Happy for the kid—decent salary for a 26 year old—in comparison to the rest of the world. Local kid, grew up a Cub fam—good for him.
(and in reality to a team that he has a shot as a fifth outfielder, bench support type guy)
Oh boy… I’m so excited for the Joe Mather Years 2.0. Only good news is cheap(er) tickets.
So positive, have you ever watched him play?