Veteran outfielder Shane Victorino signed with the Chicago Cubs on a minor league deal with an invite to spring training on Friday, according to Bruce Levine of WSCR. Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com confirmed the report.
Victorino, 35, struggled in 2015, playing in just 71 games between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels. He hit .230 with one home run, seven RBI and 19 runs scored, his worst numbers since very early in his career.
Injuries have plagued Victorino in his later years, as he’s missed 263 games in the past three years.
But the two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion is an experienced presence in the clubhouse and can play all three outfield positions in a pinch, making him a nice fourth or fifth outfielder for the Cubs.
Among a slew of talented young players on the roster, Victorino can be a real asset off the field, serving as a mentor for young outfielders Jorge Soler, Javier Baez and Kyle Schwarber.
Victorino’s prime years are well behind him, but if he can stay healthy, he should still be a nice player coming off the bench for Chicago.
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