Cubs trade DeJesus to Nationals
The Cubs said goodbye, for now, to outfielder David DeJesus on Monday, trading him to the Washington Nationals for a player to be named.
The Nats are in town, so all DeJesus had to do was move from the third-base clubhouse to the first-base clubhouse at Wrigley Field.
The trade of DeJesus does a couple of things. First, it saves the Cubs about $2.5 million. DeJesus, 33, was in the second season of his two-year, $10 million contract. The Cubs held a $6.5 million option for next year or a $1.5 million buyout.
The deal also allows the Cubs to look at some different outfielders. They activated Brian Bogusevic off the disabled list Monday. General manager Jed Hoyer said Ryan Sweeney (rib injury) will be heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment soon.
DeJesus was one of the more popular players in the clubhouse, as he possessed a strong work ethic and a willingness to mentor younger players. Hoyer wouldn't close the door on bringing him back someday.
“We really like David a lot,” Hoyer said. “I told his agent and I told David directly that we're willing to talk to him at some point about bringing him back at some point. He's a really good mentor for a young guy. I like his approach at the plate.
“That doesn't close the door on David with the Cubs in the future because he represents himself well. He's a pro. There are a lot of things he does that we'd like to have in our clubhouse again.
“He's done everything that's expected of him. He's played different outfield positions. He grinds out at-bats. He's really good against right-handed pitchers. We got our money's worth for sure.”
DeJesus had a hitting line of .250/.330/.401 this year with 6 homers and 27 RBI. He was second on the team in walks, with 29. DeJesus spent more than a month on the disabled list, from mid-June to late-July, with a shoulder injury.
Last year he had a line of .263/.350/.403. His .350 on-base led the Cubs, as did his 61 walks.
DeJesus was a candidate to be traded by the July 31 nonwaiver deadline. He thought he might have been in the clear.
“It's one of those things,” he said. “The trade deadline is one of those times that once you get through it, you're like, 'OK.' But now it's not OK. I've been a part of both sides now. But I'm excited to be a Washington National.”
The Cubs went with Darnell McDonald in left, Junior Lake in center and Nate Schierholtz in right Monday.
“It was an honor to be a Cub for one and three-quarter years,” DeJesus said. “I love the city, love the fans. The coaches and the players were awesome. They gave a lot. They put a lot of work in.”
Welcome home, Ian Krol:Local boy Ian Krol returned to Wrigley Field Monday with the Washington Nationals.Krol, a product of Neuqua Valley High School, was a seventh-round draft choice of the Oakland Athletics in 2009. The Nats obtained him in a March 20 trade. Krol pitched in Wrigley Field as a member of the Kane County Cougars in 2010 against Peoria, then an affiliate of the Cubs.#8220;It was probably one of the worst outings I had that year,#8221; he said. #8220;It was a great experience, though.#8221;Krol, 22, made his major-league debut this year, and he entered Monday 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 26 relief appearances. He had plenty of family on his pass list.#8220;I got here early today because I was so excited and anxious,#8221; he said. #8220;It's just great. I'm very fortunate. Everything has gone my way. I love the city, love being home. It's just awesome to show everybody, family and friends.#8221;