Cubs Reportedly Sign Utility Man Hernan Perez
By Scott Rogust
The Chicago Cubs have spent the majority of the offseason trying to rebuild and shed salary. That doesn't mean they won't make a few moves.
On Tuesday, the Cubs signed Hernan Perez to a minor-league contract, which includes a non-roster invite to the team's major league camp in Spring Training.
Hernan Perez signs NRI deal with Cubs. Will have chance to make team as utilityman
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 18, 2019
If Perez is to make the major league roster in 2020, he will earn $1 million, with the chance to increase that to $2 million, according to Heyman.
Perez's bread and butter doesn't involve his bat or hitting abilities. Rather, it's his speed and fielding that makes him desirable to teams such as the Cubs.
Ever since joining the Milwaukee Brewers via a trade from the Detroit Tigers in 2015, Perez retained a roster spot until this past season. His best year came in 2016, where he tallied career highs in batting average (.272), OPS (.730), RBI (56) and stolen bases (34).
Hernan Perez gets $1M in majors with chance to make $2M #cubs
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 18, 2019
This past season with Milwaukee, Perez posted a .228 batting average, .642 OPS, eight home runs, 18 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 91 games.
With Addison Russell hitting free agency, the Cubs will look to Perez to be his potential replacement.