You just cannot have enough .240 hitting infielders on your roster.
The Cubs signed newly released Royal Emilio Bonifacio to a minor league contract with major league incentives if he makes the squad out of spring training. His total pay package with the Cubs could reach $2.5 million.
The Royals had just signed Bonifacio to a $3.5 million contract to avoid arbitration, but released him only a week later. This raised some serious questions about why the Royals would sign a player then release him in a short time period. The move to open a roster spot was precipitated by the Royals signing LHP Bruce Chen. Chen, 36, went 9-4, 3.27 ERA and 1.7 WAR for the Royals last season.
Bonifacio, 28, hit .243 in 136 GP for the Blue Jays and Royals last season. He hit 3 HR, 31 RBI, 28 SB, .295 OBP with a 1.3 WAR. He can play
second and third base and any outfield position, and he contributes good
value on the bases. He also played shortstop in 2011.
CBS Sports reports that Bonifacio had other major league offers, but took the Cubs minor league deal. That means the other offers were problem at a much lower base salary. Bonifacio may have also believed he had the best chance to start with the Cubs at second base, or at least have a bench spot with the team because of his versatility.
Whether new manager Renteria is going to have an open competition for roster positions is unclear. This signing does probably put Logan Watkins back in AAA to scrap for playing time, especially if Baez is going to take reps at second base. It also puts pressure on Donnie Murphy to show the power he suddenly had with the Cubs last season if he is going to make the team as a back-up role player. The Cubs are still devoid of team power, especially off the bench.
