The Cubs appear to be on the verge of making their first major-league acquisition since last season, a source confirming they’re close to signing veteran outfielder Steven Souza Jr. on a big-league deal, banking on a first full, healthy season in three years.
A bounce-back season for Souza could be the answer to not signing Nick Castellanos for the Cubs, who could announce a deal with Souza by early next week, assuming he clears medical checks.
A right-handed-hitting right fielder, Souza, 30, would give the Cubs five established outfielders to rotate playing time through, including Gold Glove right-fielder Jason Heyward, who would be freed up to play more center field.
Heyward, a lefty hitter, along with right-handed hitter Albert Almora and switch-hitter Ian Happ all are capable of playing center. Lefty hitter Kyle Schwarber stays put in left field, but the addition allows for more mix-and-match combinations across the three spots on a day Schwarber might need a break or have a matchup problem.
Souza, who hit 30 homers with 84 walks and an .810 OPS in 2017 for the Rays, has been sidelined much of the past two seasons with the Diamondbacks.
He missed all of last season after suffering a severe left knee injury when he slipped on the plate while scoring during a spring training game in the final days of camp.
He underwent surgery that included repair of tears in three ligaments, including the ACL.
He also was limited to 72 games because of injuries in 2018.
Souza, who made $4.125 million last year, was non-tendered by the Diamondbacks last month.
The Cubs on Friday outrighted pitcher CD Pelham to Class AAA Iowa after he’d cleared waivers, creating an opening on the 40-man roster.
