Chicago Cubs sign outfielder Adron Chambers

The Chicago Cubs continue to make moves as the holidays approach and while their latest signing isn’t going to excite the casual fan, it goes in line with what the front office has done throughout the entire offseason.

Though there hasn’t been an official confirmation yet, the Cubs are expected to sign free agent outfielder Adron Chambers to a minor league deal. He’s expected to be invited to Spring Training though his chances to make the team are relatively slim – and that’s being generous.

Chambers does have some things that are definitively appealing to the front office. He gets on base at a good clip (.364 OBP through his MiLB career) and while he doesn’t have a lot of power, he’s an above-average defender that can also be a threat on the bases. Considering the fact that the Cubs are currently looking for guys who can get on base, run and defend on an adequate rate, Chambers fits their mold and he could have a shot to earn a bench role with the organization.

Chambers was drafted in the 37th round out of Pensacola Junior College in the 2007 Draft. He has some MLB experience as he sniffed the Majors with the St. Louis Cardinals between 2011 and 2013 and he spent last year at the Triple-A level with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros.

Between the affiliates, Chambers batted .283/.351/.411 in 50 games, adding eight doubles and 29 RBIs. His best Minor League season came back in 2012 with the Cardinals’ Triple-A club, with the young outfielder posting an .809 OPS for Memphis.

All the signs point to Chambers being a signing to add depth at the upper levels of the minors but if he has a potent showing during Spring Training, he could have a chance to make the team as a fourth or fifth outfielder. Currently, the team is heading into 2015 with the likes of Chris Coghlan, Jorge Soler, Arismendy Alcantara, Junior Lake, Matt Szczur and Ryan Sweeney in the mix for outfield spots.

Next: Chicago Cubs' youngsters making the right adjustments in winter leagues