Cubs outfielder Michael Hermosillo has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Iowa, Mark Gonzales relays. Chicago had designated him for assignment earlier in the week.
It’s been a tough season for Hermosillo, who re-signed with the Cubs on a major league deal this past offseason. After breaking camp with the big league team, Hermosillo suffered a left quadriceps strain in May which kept him out of action until earlier this month. In addition to his injury woes, Hermosillo struggled mightily at the plate this season, batting just .115/.250/.148 (27 wRC+) in 73 trips to the plate this season.
For his career, Hermosillo has both struggled to find opportunities at the big league level and to make the most of the opportunities he does receive. Despite making his major league debut in 2018, Hermosillo has managed to accumulate just 229 plate appearances across parts of five seasons with the Angels and the Cubs, and has hit just .167/.268/.283 in those trips to the plate, only approaching league average for a season during a 16-game stint with the Cubs last year that saw him hit .194/.237/.500 (91 wRC+).
While Hermosillo has certainly struggled at the big league level throughout his career, he has had no such trouble in the minors. Across five seasons at the Triple-A level, Hermosillo has slashed .273/.368/.506, all while playing a capable center field and flashing plus speed. Hermosillo will be able to file for minor league free agency this offseason unless he’s added back to the 40-man roster.
The Cubs announced that they will be releasing right fielder Jason Heyward after the 2022 season ends, but they have Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki to man the outfield corners heading into 2023. For center field, Chicago has options at the big league level such as Christopher Morel and Nelson Velazquez, to say nothing of top prospect Brennen Davis, who may be ready to join the big league club sometime next year.
Why?
I cannot figure out what the Cubs front office sees in Hermosillo…
“While Hermosillo has certainly struggled at the big league level throughout his career, he has had no such trouble in the minors. Across five seasons at the Triple-A level, Hermosillo has slashed .273/.368/.506, all while playing a capable center field and flashing plus speed.”
Hermosillo really shouldn’t be taking a spot on the Cubs 40 man roster. RH hitting OFers are very redundant in the organization at this time. And a whole lot of them, have a higher upside. I’m hoping this offseason they can move a couple of them in a trade with another organization, to bring in a young LH hitting infielder – either 2B or 3B or SS.
He needs to go to Korea. A true AAAA player.
You gotta think that they’re going to need this 40 man space this off season so If they want to re sign him to a Minor League deal where he’s not on it fine. But he’s still taking up a space at Iowa that a young guy with upside should be playing in. I’m hoping it’s just temporary because he’s proved not Major League worthy. Heck, Robel Garcia was a much better player that they let walk to Korea so I don’t know what they get out of this guy that keeps him around like Herpes.