Cubs close to re-signing Munenori Kawasaki

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Crumpton · Senior Editor · Tuesday, January 03 2017

The Chicago Cubs are close to re-signing fan favorite Munenori Kawasaki to a minor league deal on Tuesday according to multiple reports. The deal will include an invite to spring training in Arizona and he could also help out Koji Uehara (2008 Olympics teammate) get comfortable with his new ballclub.

Kawasaki, 35, hit .333 with a RBI and .462 on-base percentage with the Cubs in 2016. He batted .255 during the year with the Iowa Cubs.

For his MLB career, he has .237 average with one homer, 51 RBIs, and .320 on-base percentage. He has had stints with the Cubs, Blue Jays, and Mariners in his pro career.

He is a reliable defensive utility player to have in the minors and helps out any clubhouse with his fun attitude and quirkiness.