Cubs finalize deal with third baseman Ian Stewart – MLB News
The Chicago Cubs on Monday, Dec. 17, finalized the deal with third baseman Ian Stewart, signing him to a one-year $2 million contract, that is said to include $500,000 in incentives. The move was anticipated given the club’s need for an experienced third
baseman.
The details of the contract bring to fore the fact that there is a drop in the amount offered to him last year – which was $2,237,500. He was brought in from Colorado Rockies after trading Tyler Colvin and DJ LeMahieu.
Also, the money offered is non-guaranteed. There are a few reasons for that.
The past season saw the third baseman be limited to 55 games due to the wrist injury which required surgery. The surgery proved to be season-ending. Stewart, in those 55 games, had .201 batting average with five homers and 17 RBIs.
Since his arrival from the Rockies after he was traded during the Winter Meetings in 2011, Stewart seemingly had to confront some vicissitudes. Attached to him were hopes that he would embolden the Cubs offensively.
However, in the unexpected turn of events, the player fell to injury – which eventually required surgery.
Now that the deal has been finalized, the Cubs also had to make some adjustments. For example, in order to make room for Stewart in the 40-man roster, the Cubs went for designating the left-hander Jeff Beliveau for assignment. Beliveau, a pitcher, made his
debut the past season – posting 4.58 ERA in 22 appearances.
In 487 career appearances, on the other hand, Stewart carries .232 batting average with 59 homers and 204 RBIs.
With this move, the Cubs could benefit in some ways. It has provided them with an opportunity to use Luis Valbuena – who can competently play second base, shortstop and third base, as a utility player.
Being among the top-100 prospects some years ago, Stewart has come a long way in the MLB to secure his place. Although wrist issues have been a seeming bane, this boon lies in having to make most use of the opportunity given to him here to play regularly
as the Cubs’ third baseman in the upcoming season.
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