Cubs announce flurry of additions
The Cubs made their biggest signing of the offseason official on Friday - outfielder Joc Pederson is under contract on a one-year deal with an option for 2022.
According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, Pederson gets $4.5 million this season with a $10 million option for 2022 that includes a $2.5 million buyout.
With the Dodgers last season, Pederson slashed .190/.285/.397 with 7 homers and 16 RBI. He struck out 34 times and drew 11 walks in 138 plate appearances.
The left-handed slugger was a force in the playoffs, hitting .382/.432/.559 with 2 home runs and 8 RBI over 16 games while helping Los Angeles beat Tampa Bay in the World Series.
Pederson, 28, is a career .230 hitter with 112 doubles, 7 triples, 130 home runs and 303 RBI in 748 games with the Dodgers.
He's expected to replace Kyle Schwarber in left field. Non-tendered by the Cubs in early December, Schwarber joined the Nationals on a one-year, $10 million contract.
The Cubs also announced they agreed to terms with starting pitcher Trevor Williams and reliever Andrew Chafin.
Over the past five seasons with Pittsburgh, the 28-year-old Williams was 31-37 with a 4.43 ERA.
The right-hander was 14-10 with a 3.11 ERA in 2018, but he tailed off the past two years and was 2-8 with a 6.18 ERA in 11 starts with the Pirates last season.
Chafin was acquired by the Cubs in a trade with the Diamondbacks at the Aug. 31 trade deadline in 2020.
On the injured list with a sprained finger until Sept. 20, Chafin was limited to 4 relief appearances with the Cubs and the left-hander gave up 1 run in 3 innings.
The Cubs also added a versatile infielder on Friday, claiming Sergio Alcantara off waivers from the Tigers.
The 24-year-old Alcantara made his major-league debut last year, hitting .143/.217/.381 with a solo home run in 10 games with Detroit.
After the season, Alcantara played 23 winter ballgames in his native Dominican Republic. The switch-hitter slashed .257/.346/.400 with 2 homers and 8 RBI.
A 5-foot-9 150-pounder, Alcantara split his time between second base and third during his short stint with the Tigers.
In seven minor-league seasons with Detroit and Arizona, he spent most of his time at shortstop.