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The Cubs were connected to outfielder Steven Souza earlier in the offseason and now a few weeks before the start of spring training the two sides are close to agreeing on a contract. It’s a special one, as Souza’s deal with the Cubs will be the first guaranteed contract the team has agreed to this winter.
Souza, 30, missed all of 2019 after tearing ligaments in his knee at the end of spring training. The right-handed hitter made his MLB debut in 2014, with the Nationals, but became a regular with the Rays the following season. Souza doesn’t hit for a high average (.233 career) but in 2017 he was solid, slashing .239/.351/.459, with 30 home runs.
Right now the Cubs’ outfield is mostly left-handed, so adding a right-handed hitter to hit against LHP was a need and Souza excelled against lefties in his last full season in 2017.
Obviously we don’t know how Souza will bounce back after the serious knee injury, but this is solid signing. He has power, walks 10% of the time and he hits lefties. It’s a fine addition.
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And did you know that in 2017, Souza had a 3.8 fWAR season. That’s better than Nick Castellanos has ever produced.
