Cubs reportedly sign first baseman |
The Chicago Cubs made a move on Sunday with the signing of first baseman Efren Navarro to a minor league deal and an invite to spring training according to multiple reports.
The 31-year old is a defensive first baseman that bats left-handed. The Cubs are pretty stacked with their positional players but they do not have a lot of depth at first base after star Anthony Rizzo. Navarro also has experience playing the outfield in the majors but he is more than likely just giving the Cubs more organizational depth at first base and in the outfield. In 2017 with the Detroit Tigers, Navarro batted .230 with two homers, 8 walks, and .696 OPS in 23 games. He had a tough time at the plate with a 30.4% strikeout rate with an 11.6% walk rate. For his career, he is batting .243 with three homers, 22 RBIs, and .306 on-base percentage. He has also had stints in the minors with the Cardinals and Mariners. He was drafted by the Angels in the 50th round in the 2007 MLB draft.
