Now we know what he meant when Theo Esptein told reporters that they were still focused on a few smaller moves.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Cubs have signed second baseman Jason Kipnis. The deal is worth $1 million before any performance incentives:
Given the team's reluctance to rush Nico Hoerner into a full-time role, it stands to reason that Kipnis will be the teams' Opening Day second baseman. Over his nine year career – all with the Cleveland Indians – Kipnis batted .261/.333/.417 with a 103 wRC+. It's been a rough few years for the veteran, though – he hasn't posted a wRC+ over 100 (league average) since 2016. FanGraphs metrics still like his defense, for what it's worth.
Kipnis is from Illinois, and already has a bit of illustrious Cubs history to his name:
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