The Chicago Cubs are parting ways with veteran Dominican infielder Jonathan Villar after one season.
Villar, who inked a one-year $6 million deal with the Cubs during the offseason, is now eligible to sign with any team for the league minimum. The move comes on the heels of the Cubs designating Villar for assignment after disappointing performances on the plate.
Villar was sent on assignment last week to make room on the roster for star infielder David Bote, who was on the 60-day injured list.
The 31-year-old has been a shell of his usual self in his first two and a half months with the Cubs, slashing an average of .222/.271/.327 (67 OPS+) with only two home runs through 46 appearances. This is a far cry from his career averages of .256/.324/.399.
Regardless of his substandard year, sources believe that Villar can still attract the interest of other clubs, especially after going a perfect 6-for-6 on the steals department this year.
