Hoyer signals club could approach DeJesus on return

Jul 26, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder

(9) hit a triple during the fifth inning in a game against the San Francisco Giants at AT

8/19/2013 — 4:07 p.m. CDT

Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer acknowledged that financial savings were a “large consideration” in the decision to trade outfielder David DeJesus to the Washington Nationals, after Washington claimed him off waivers early on Monday. He went on to say that the Cubs would be interested in bringing DeJesus back in the offseason, should such an opportunity arise.

The team will give Brian Bogusevic an extended look in order to determine whether or not he fits into the organization’s long-term plans. Bogusevic, a former pitcher, was activated off the disabled list following the trade of DeJesus earlier this afternoon.

8/19/2013 — 2:30 p.m. CDT

According to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, the Washington Nationals have acquired outfielder David DeJesus from the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Washington claimed DeJesus on waivers, and the two clubs were able to work out a deal from there.

The 33-year old DeJesus is hitting .250 this year for the Cubs in 84 games, with six home runs and 27 RBIs. The veteran outfielder has posted a .330 on-base percentage this season, as well. Brian Bogusevic will take the roster spot of DeJesus for Chicago, and Roger Bernadina has been released by Washington, clearing roster space to acquire DeJesus. The Nationals’ new outfielder struggled against lefties this season with the Cubs, hitting just .156/.224.178 this year in a limited 45 plate appearances.

When asked by Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago, DeJesus replied, “”Very surprised but have to make the best of it.”

DeJesus had quickly stepped into the role vacated by the recently-traded Alfonso Soriano, mentoring young players like Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo in recent weeks, but now the club is seemingly left without a prominent veteran to fill that role. Dioner Navarro is now the team’s leading home run hitter, tallying 51 over the course of his career.

Rosenthal also points out what could prove to be a critical factor in the deal saying, “Cubs save about $2.5M w trade of DeJesus to Nationals – about $1M in salary, plus $1.5M buyout. Bogusevic, Sweeney close to coming off DL.”

The Cubs’ front office has been busy this year, dealing Scott Hairston to Washington earlier this season. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer also dealt Matt Garza, Alfonso Soriano, Scott Feldman, Steve Clevenger, Carlos Marmol and minor leaguer Ronal Torreyes in recent months.

In 232 games with Chicago, DeJesus batted .258/.343/.403, and provided versatility for manager Dale Sveum, showing the ability to play all three outfield positions.