Some fans were calling for the Cubs to make this signing since last winter, but just like the start of the 2020 regular season, better late than never.
It wasn’t that long ago that Derek Dietrich asked for his release from the Reds and the Cubs quickly scooped him up. Dietrich announced that he signed a deal with the Cubs on the eve of Opening Day with an Instagram post Thursday night.
The 31-year-old can pretty much play anywhere on the diamond, making starts at first, second, third, left and right field during his MLB career.
In 2019, Dietrich crushed 19 home runs in 251 at-bats with the Reds and although his overall slash line of .187/.328/.462, isn’t impressive you definitely like his .829 OPS against right-handed pitching.
At the very least Dietrich is great depth at second base for the Cubs in case Jason Kipnis and/or Nico Hoerner struggle offensively. Dietrich can provide another power bat from the left side and can play above average defense at five different positions. You gotta love that versatility from a bench guy.
Dietrich won’t be on the Cubs Opening Day roster, but you’d figure that once the roster number is cut down and the team no longer needs an extra reliever or third catcher that Dietrich will be added to the active roster. Or maybe even before then.
The rosters stay at 30 players for the first two weeks of the season and then cut to 28 and after two more weeks it goes down to 26.
Dietrich definitely falls into the category of players you hate when he’s on the other team but love when he’s on yours. Certainly plays with some edge.
