Joe Maddon has been known to deploy some unusual defensive alignments in his time, but it's difficult to envision even Maddon finding a way to use all of the Cubs' outfielders.
Adding to an already impressive stash, the Cubs on Friday agreed to a minor-league deal with veteran Shane Victorino, according to multiple reports. He will make $1 million if he's on the major league roster with a chance to earn $1 million more in incentives, ESPN reports.
FANTASY: Key players on new teams | MORE: Baseball's next breakout star
The move came less than 24 hours after president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said the following to reporters in announcing Dexter Fowler's return to the team: "This is it. … We feel great about our outfield mix."
Victorino, a 12-year big-league veteran, is not the type of player who would typically sign just to go to Triple-A, but it's difficult to see a fit for him in Chicago if no other moves are made.
The Cubs' outfield depth chart currently includes Fowler, Jason Heyward, Jorge Soler, Kyle Schwarber, and potentially Ben Zobrist and Javier Baez as well.
MORE: Mystery theater surrounding Fowler signing is much ado about nothing
Of course, Zobrist, Baez and Schwarber can play other positions, and Soler's name was mentioned in trade talks throughout the winter. Should Epstein have a change of heart, the Cubs figure to be able to find a taker for Soler — or Baez — sometime before opening day. Shortly before announcing the Fowler deal on Thursday, the Cubs traded outfielder Chris Coghlan to Oakland.
Victorino, 35, is a two-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner but has been slowed by injuries the last few years. He played in only 71 games last season between the Red Sox and Angels, hitting .230/.308/.292, but has ample postseason experience and the kind of veteran presence Maddon values.
