JUST IN: Cubs Sign another key man to League Deal

The Cubs recently signed infielder Jake Hager to a minor league contract, finalizing the deal over the past weekend. Initially appearing in one game for their Arizona complex affiliate, Hager’s next destination, as indicated by MLB.com’s transaction log, is Triple-A Iowa.

A right-handed batter, Hager has accrued 42 games of major league experience split between the Mets and Diamondbacks. His performance has seen him post a .197/.307/.224 slash line with 31 strikeouts across 89 plate appearances during limited action from 2021 to 2022. Last season, he primarily played in Triple-A with the Diamondbacks, struggling to a .245/.301/.415 line in the Pacific Coast League before being released in August.

Originally selected as the 32nd overall pick in the 2011 draft out of high school, Hager has logged parts of seven seasons in Triple-A with five different organizations (excluding Chicago). Over approximately 500 games at that level, he holds a .242/.301/.389 batting line. While primarily a shortstop in the minors, he also boasts significant experience at both second and third base, along with occasional outings in the outfield.

The Cubs’ recent loss of minor league infield depth due to Nick Madrigal’s hand injury several weeks ago left them seeking experienced Triple-A infielders, making Hager an evident choice to bolster their roster depth.