Chicago Cubs finally make move, sign OF Peter Bourjos to minor-league deal

All Cubs fans rejoice! The North Siders have finally made a move. Only, not the signing we all had hoped, instead they signed OF Peter Bourjos.

Going into the offseason the Cubs had two areas of concern. The bullpen needed a major overhaul due to multiple players leaving to join other teams, and the starting pitching needed a change with Jake Arrieta possibly leaving as well. Naturally, a month after the Tyler Chatwood and Steve Cishek signings, the Cubs have made the long awaited move. They have signed speedy outfield Peter Bourjos to a minor-league deal with incentives if he makes the major league roster, per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.

Despite being somewhat of a journeyman, Bourjos will bring the Cubs some much needed speed to their outfield if he does end up making the opening day roster. Currently Chicago will be trotting out the new and improved looking Kyle Schwarber, aging veteran Jason Heyward, and up-and-comer Albert Almora Jr., along with a sprinkle of Ian Happ when one of the three previous players need a rest.

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In 2017, all of the Cubs outfielders combined for 23 stolen bases. That number drops down to 17 if you remove Jon Jay, who will likely not be returning to the team, from the equation. Taking out Happ, who does not play everyday in the outfield and will likely be used as a super-utility man once again the amount of stolen bases drops to nine.

With the Cubs stealing such a small amount of bases last season, the addition of Bourjos will indeed make that number rise. He stole five bases with the Tampa Bay Rays last year, almost one fourth of what Chicago’s outfielders stole.

Not only does Bourjos bring speed to the Cubs, he brings another veteran presence to the roster. Along with Heyward in the outfield, the new veteran could end up being one of the vocal leaders in Chicago’s locker room.

An eight-year veteran, Bourjos has played for four teams during his career. Including a four-year stint with the Los Angeles Angels to begin his career, then short stints with the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Rays. A career below-average hitter, Bourjos will not be signed for his batting ability, however his glove (career .992 fielding %) will be the kicker for this signing.

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When it comes down to it, this is not the move that fans were hoping for when they heard the news that the Cubs were signing somebody. Moves can still be made, and with plenty of starting pitching still out on the market, it is certainly plausible that Chicago ends up signing Yu Darvish or Jake Arrieta.