According to multiple reports, the Cubs have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Ian Stewart for $2 million that includes a $500,000 incentive package. The Cubs non-tendered Stewart prior to last Friday’s deadline. If Stewart reaches all of his incentives, he will receive $2.5 million, the same amount he would have likely received if the Cubs did not non-tender him. Stewart was paid $2.3755 million last season.
Stewart is reportedly healthy and recovered from the wrist surgery that cut short his first season with the Cubs.
Updated 4:21pm CST – According to the Tribune, Stewart signed a non-guaranteed deal and if he does not make the team out of Spring Training, the Cubs are off the hook for his contract.
The Cubs will have to make a roster move soon to open up a spot to add Kyuji Fujikawa, Nate Schierholtz and Ian Stewart. With the addition of Hector Rendon, the Cubs’ 40-man roster officially stands at 38 players. Ian Stewart managed just a .201/.292/.335/.627 line in 55 games (202 plate appearances) last season with five doubles, two triples and five home runs.
Ian Stewart’s Page on Baseball-Reference
The Cubs have not confirmed the signing but it appears Ian Stewart is back in the fold which will push Luis Valbuena to a back-up infielder’s role.
Updated 4:06pm CST – Ian Stewart has confirmed he has re-signed with the Cubs on his Twitter account
Updated 4:10pm CST – Jed Hoyer confirmed the signing to Jesse Rogers of ESPN 1000.
Updated 4:25pm CST – Ian Stewart will go into Spring Training as the Cubs’ starting third baseman according to the Sun-Times. The Cubs are still looking for a right-handed hitting back-up for third base.
Follow ChicagoCubsOnline on Twitter: @TheCCO