Chicago Cubs Sign Gold Glover & MVP Finalist

The Chicago Cubs have made strategic moves in their player lineup by signing outfielder David Peralta and first baseman/outfielder Dominic Smith.

Peralta, known for his experience and performance, was added to the Cubs' roster as a non-roster invitee (NRI), signaling the Cubs' intention to bolster their outfield options with seasoned talent.

Last season, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the 36-year-old slashed .259/.294/.381, with seven home runs, 55 RBIs, four stolen bases, and 47 runs scored across 133 games played.

Free-agent outfielder David Peralta and the Chicago Cubs are in agreement on a contract, according to sources familiar with the deal.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) February 20, 2024

Peralta won the Silver Slugger award in 2018 and the Gold Glove award in 2019, both with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

On the other hand, Dominic Smith, who previously showed promise with the New York Mets, especially during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, has been signed to a minor league deal.

This move suggests the Cubs are willing to take a chance on Smith's potential to bounce back to his earlier form, where he was a significant offensive contributor.

Smith's journey with the Mets saw him achieving notable success in 2020, even placing 13th in MVP voting.

That season saw him post a .316/.377/.616 triple-slash line, with 10 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 27 runs scored across 50 games played.

The Chicago Cubs have signed Dominic Smith to a minor league contract. The first baseman has hit .294 along with 396 RBIs throughout his minor league career. The contract includes an invitation to major league spring training. pic.twitter.com/2VDOUabsA6
— Milb Central (@milb_central) February 20, 2024

However, his performance faced a downturn in the following years, attributed in part to injuries and potentially mental health challenges.

Last season, the 28-year-old slashed .254/.326/.366, with 12 home runs, 46 RBIs, a stolen base, and 57 runs scored over 153 games played.

The Cubs' decision to sign Smith could be seen as a low-risk, high-reward strategy, aiming to capitalize on Smith's ability to recover his form in a new environment.

Given Smith's history of fluctuating performance, this signing indicates the Cubs' willingness to provide him with an opportunity to revitalize his career within their organization.

These signings reflect the Cubs' approach to building their team by mixing experienced players like Peralta with those like Smith, who may benefit from a change of scenery and have untapped potential.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports