According to Bob Nightengale, the Chicago Cubs have re-signed outfielder Ryan Sweeney to a 2-year deal, plus an option. Sweeney will make 1.5 million in 2014 and in 2015. The club option is worth 2.5 million and has a 500,000 buyout.
Sweeney said; “I’m glad to be back and have this taken care of soon.” Sweeney was referring to free agency.
The Cubs signed Sweeney on April 2nd last year after he did not make the Boston Red Sox team out of spring training. Instead of opting for the minors, Sweeney chose free agency and opened the window to sign with the Cubs. Sweeney started his Cubs journey with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs and was called up the big leagues on May 6th.
Sweeney is 28-years old and can play all three outfield spots. Sweeney played in 70 games last season and had 196 at-bats. In those 192 at-bats, Sweeney had 6 home runs, 19 runs batted in, 17 walks, struck out 31 times and had a line of .266/.324/.448/.772.
As of right now, Sweeney is a starter for one of the three outfield spots. But when the 2014 season comes around, he’s expected to be a 4th outfielder.
Sweeney plays with a lot of guts and has no regard for his body. Sweeney will run into the wall to help his team win. Sweeney ran into the wall this year and was later placed on the 60-day DL with a broken rib. He’s a good guy and a team player.
From the looks of it, the signing of Sweeney could mean the end of Brian Bogusevic. That’s not a certain, but the Cubs are expected to pick up a starting outfielder this off-season.
While the Cubs wait for a decision by Joe Girardi, the Cubs took care of one of their own players.