MESA, Ariz. — The Cubs demonstrated an emphasis on versatility with their latest addition.
Infielder Jonathan Villar has agreed to a one-year, $6 million contract with the Cubs, multiple outlets reported Thursday.
The signing adds another player to the Cubs’ infield mix who can play multiple positions. Villar has experience at shortstop, second and third base. The switch hitter slashed .249/.322/.416 with the Mets last year.
“Rest is important in 162 [games], especially in this season with a shortened spring training,” Cubs manager David Ross said of the value of positional versatility. “Making sure we take care of the young guys, the [injury] history of some of our guys, keeping them on the field is really important to me. We’re going be the best version of us if we keep everybody healthy and are able to keep that flexibility.”
Ross declined to talk specifically about any signing that was not yet official.
In the middle infield, the Cubs also have Nico Hoerner, Nick Madrigal and Andrelton Simmons. Patrick Wisdom is penciled in as the everyday third baseman.
Bullpen picture coming into focus
Cubs reliever David Robertson donned a new Cubs jersey Thursday, arriving in time for the start of spring training games. The team made his one-year deal official on Wednesday.
“They were very convincing” Robertson said. “Jed [Hoyer, president of baseball operations] did his job, and he got me to come here... He just kept throwing a better offer at me every time, saying, ‘Let’s just get this done.’”
The Cubs’ pitching staff is still taking shape, with several signings still not official as of Thursday morning, including agreements with Steven Brault and Daniel Norris. Right-hander Robert Gsellman could also be spotted in the clubhouse Thursday morning.
So, roles aren’t well defined as the Cubs open the Cactus Leauge season with a doubleheader against the White Sox. But the Cubs plan to use Robertson, who has 137 career saves, at the back end of the bullpen.
“I’m excited,” said Cubs reliever Jonathan Holder. “I love seeing these guys come in like D-Rob and Chris Martin. It’s an opportunity for me to learn from them and grow from them because they’ve got a whole lot of experience.”
