Source: Cubs sign versatile IF Villar to $6M dealon March 17, 2022 at 10:40 pm

The Chicago Cubs have added another veteran infielder, agreeing with Jonathan Villar on a one-year deal worth $6 million, a source confirmed to ESPN.

The switch-hitting Villar will provide defensive versatility plus a combination of power and speed for the new-look Cubs. The 10-year veteran played 142 games with the New York Mets last season, batting .249 with 18 home runs and 14 stolen bases.

FanSided first reported Thursday on Villar’s deal, which is pending a physical.

Villar has significant experience at second base, shortstop and third base and could serve in a utility role for the Cubs, who signed veteran shortstop Andrelton Simmons to a one-year deal earlier this week.

Chicago also made a big splash in free agency Wednesday with the signing of Japanese star outfielder Seiya Suzuki to a five-year, $85 million contract.

Villar, 30, is a .258 career hitter with 98 homers and 232 stolen bases in parts of nine seasons with the Mets, Marlins, Blue Jays, Brewers, Orioles and Astros.

The Cubs made a series of other moves Thursday, agreeing to contracts with pitchers Mychal Givens, Daniel Norris and Robert Gsellman.

Givens has closing experience, and the Cubs need somebody in the ninth inning role. He had eight saves for the Cincinnati Reds last season after he was traded by the Colorado Rockies in July.

The right-hander agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with Chicago that could reach $6.25 million with bonuses, a source told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.

Right-hander Chris Martin also finalized his one-year deal with Chicago on Thursday, and left-hander Brad Wieck was placed on the 60-day injured list with a left elbow strain.

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