Chicago Cubs and outfielder Matt Murton reunite with minor league deal

When looking back at some of the most surprising trades in Chicago Cubs history, you can’t help but think about the one that netted them future Hall of Fame shortstop, Nomar Garciaparra from the Boston Red Sox.

I personally wasn’t sure how to feel about the deal when it went down, only because I was shocked at the fact that they somehow managed to reel in one of the best defensive players aside from Derek Jeter.

But when looking at the rest of the players involved, one man later from an underdog, to fan favorite. And it wouldn’t be the first time he’d take part in a blockbuster deal, but we’ll cover that later on.

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That individual was none other than Fort Lauderdale’s own, Matt Murton. The former first-round draft pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2003 began his journey with the Cubs as a member of the Single-A Daytona affiliate.

He jumped from prospect to Chicago’s starting left fielder in 2006 and went on to tie a major league record four doubles in one game. It was during a doubleheader with the Arizona Diamondbacks where he finished 4-for-4 with five RBI to go with the milestone.

At the end of the 2006 campaign, Murton had one of the highest batting averages on the team, finishing with a line of .297/.365/.438 and an OPS of .809 across 455 at-bats. Not to mention he swatted a career-high 13 homers and drove in 62 runs.

After his playing time decreased due to the Cubs signing Cliff Floyd and moving Alfonso Soriano back over to left field during the early part of the 2007 season, Murton was moved over to right field. He was later optioned to the Triple-A affiliate and ended up being shipped off to the Oakland Athletics for Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin a year later.

His run with the Athletics only lasted half a season which resulted in him being traded to the Colorado Rockies in February of 2009. The biggest break of his professional career is when his contract was sold to a team in Japan.

In his first year with the Hanshin Tigers, the now 34-year-old recorded a 200 hit season and soon eclipsed Ichiro Suzuki‘s mark of 210 by ending the year with 214.

Next: Where does Albert Almora fit?

Now according to WGN-TV, Murton and the Cubs will be reunited with a minor league deal, but while this is good news for fans who remember him, it may be too late for the seasoned veteran. I only say that because of all the talent this club has from left to right field, including the ones on the big league roster.

The details of his contract have yet to be released, just don’t be surprised to see him take a couple swings in Spring Training. I had the opportunity of meeting this man after my first ever Cubs game before he was traded in 2008 and I have to say that I’m excited to see him return.