CHICAGO _ In a move that creates intrigue leading to Friday's 7 p.m. deadline for tendering contracts to unsigned players, the Cubs acquired infielder Ronald Torreyes from the Yankees for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
Torreyes, 26, has spent parts of the last four seasons in the majors, including the last three with the Yankees. Torreyes batted .280 in 41 games in 2018 but was designated for assignment.
Torreyes, who was acquired by the Cubs with outfielder Dave Sappelt and left-hander Travis Wood for left-hander Sean Marshall in December 2011, can play second base, shortstop and third base. Torreyes batted .292 in 108 games in 2017.
Torreyes, like infielder Tommy La Stella, is arbitration eligible. The Cubs also have to decide whether to tender a contract to shortstop Addison Russell, who won't be eligible to play until May 3 because of a 40-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic-abuse policy.
Torreyes was sold to the Astros in the middle of the 2013 season. He never reached higher than Double A during his 1{ minor-league seasons with the Cubs.
The acquisition increases the Cubs' 40-man roster to 39.
