The Cubs signed infielder Jake Hager to a minor league contract over the weekend. Hager appeared in one game for their complex affiliate in Arizona. According to the transaction log at MLB.com, he’s now headed to Triple-A Iowa.
A right-handed hitter, Hager has 42 games of major league experience between the Mets and Diamondbacks. He hit .197/.307/.224 with 31 strikeouts in 89 plate appearances in limited action between 2021-22. Hager spent most of last season in Triple-A with Arizona. He had a down year, running a .245/.301/.415 slash in the Pacific Coast League, and was released in August.
Hager was the 32nd overall pick of the 2011 draft coming out of high school. He has appeared in parts of seven seasons at Triple-A across five organizations (not including Chicago). In just over 500 games there, he owns a .242/.301/.389 line. Hager has spent most of his time in the minors at shortstop, though he also has ample experience at both second and third base (with scattered appearances in the outfield).
Chicago lost some minor league infield depth when Nick Madrigal broke his hand a few weeks ago. They’re light on experienced Triple-A infielders, making Hager a straightforward fit as a depth option.
I guess you left that sinking ship, named AEW
An angels and broncos fan talking about sinking ships…you love to see it.
I was thinking of the wrestler too
Yea but less drugs in the locker room in MLB.
I remember when he was part of the Inner Circle.
I heard he still really likes his Mets hat.
Could be a precursor to a trade. Wonder if Nico is being shopped. Not sure why else they would pick up a scrub depth guy like this.
I highly doubt he will replace Nico, IF hes traded. Most likely Busch slides over, Bellinger goes to 1st, until next season when one of Shaw, or Triantos takes over.
This add was purely for depth, as ALL teams do during the season.
Busch is playing gold glove quality defense at first and is the “future” of the Cubs. Not saying it won’t happen but the Cubs would be incredibly stupid to move him to second.
I really think the Cubs end up trading:
Neris
Hoerner
Happ or Suzuki
Tailon
Bellinger
I can also see lesser moves of Wisdom, Miller and Lopez all being dealt as well.
I don’t know here but those type moves wouldn’t surprise me. The Cubs need to be sellers but I hadn’t really thought about the complications of most of what they have to offer. Bellinger is playing good but not up to his contract level and has opt out/opt in clauses in his contract teams won’t likely want to take on to this point in a straight up trade. They just don’t have the kind of guys that they’d want to let go of that other teams would find much value in. Not to say they have no good players they definitely do but the Cubs are more in retool position than rebuild so they won’t want to give up good controllable assets or veterans under contract that they see as part of their core going forward. They’ll probably end up trading a couple of guys for very little return that teams may want to take a look at but I can’t think of a big trade chip that would make sense for the Cubs and a possible trade partner
He’ll take over for Nico once he’s traded. This team has been a hot mess since 2018.
Ownership stopped caring about winning
I think their payroll is over $230,000,000. IF they stopped caring it would be MUCH lower
Nico is affordable so Cubs will keep him. Belli, Happ, Neris and Leiter could be traded. No market for Smyly or Wisdom or they would be candidates.
Happ is owed $40 M total, for 2025 and 2026. Plus his NTC rights. I’m sure not saying they wouldn’t be trying to trade him – but the return would be negligible. They should be trying to move him. Who was the main voice in allowing him the NTC?
The benefit would be cap space and an open corner OF spot, to use for bringing along a prospect or two. Happ is still a fairly decent player – but far from irreplaceable.
I think there is a market for both, Smyly isn’t a bad bullpen arm, has some value as long relief but I could see the Cubs dealing Tailon and keeping Smyly, moving him back into the rotation to eat up some innings.
Wisdom is still hitting lefties, with his ability to play multiple positions will have some trade value. Most likely the Cubs will receive the pitching equivalent, older prospect with high velocity and no idea of the strike zone.
Almonte may have some value if he returns by the deadline and can pitch effectively in a couple outings.
All the pieces are in more pieces.
And somehow scrubs like Wisdom are still on the team. Time to clean house…everyone can go except maybe Imanaga and Steele
I see the Cubs are dumpster diving again…
He’s horrible. In a comic way.
Like the Titanic. Jed and the Cubs organization running out of life boats.
This is a pure psychological play. This will make Miles Mastobuoni feel better about himself, as he won’t be the worst player in the organization anymore. Watch Miles start to rake now.
I’ll finally be able to proudly wear my Mastrobuoni jersey!
“You can’t ever have enough light hitting bum infielders in your organization” – Jed Hoyer
Cubs nation gonna chant, We The People!
Yes, all that AAA depth is playing in Chicago, so someone needs to play in Iowa.
Might as well sign tim anderson who was just dfa .Cant be any worse then wisdom or mastrobuoni. With his numbers this year, he’d fit in perfectly in the lineup
He loves that hat!