According to a report from Japan, the Cubs have signed OF Matt Murton to a minor league contract. The deal reportedly includes a non-roster invite to Major League Spring Training.
Matt Murton was the Opening Day left fielder for Lou Piniella and the Cubs in 2007. Murton was acquired from the Red Sox along with SS Nomar Garciaparra in the four-team trade with the Twins and Expos on July 31, 2004.
Murton made his big league debut in 2005 and was with the Cubs until July 2008. Murton was dealt to the A’s along with Josh Donaldson, Sean Gallagher and Eric Patterson for Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin.
Matt Murton’s final season in the majors was in 2009 with the Rockies. Murton has played for the Hanshin Tigers in Japan for the last six seasons where he became the league’s single-season hits leader. Murton batted .276/.316/.375 in 140 games this past season with 27 doubles and nine home runs for a .691 OPS.
In six seasons with Hanshin, Murton hit .310/.352/.437 with 173 doubles, seven triples and 77 home runs for a .790 OPS in 832 games.
Murton, 34, played four seasons for the Cubs (2005-08) and batted .294/.362/.448 with 40 doubles, five triples and 28 home runs for a .810 OPS.
The Cubs have not announced signing Matt Murton to a minor league contract.
• Matt Murton’s Page on Baseball-Reference
The Cubs Spring Training roster will be 59 players with the addition of Matt Murton.
Cubs Non-Roster Invitees to Spring Training
Pitchers
- Brandon Gomes, RHP
- Stephen Fife, RHP
- Jean Machi, RHP
- Drew Rucinski, RHP
- Luis Cruz, LHP
- Felix Pena, RHP
- Jonathan Pettibone, RHP
- Armando Rivero, RHP
- Duane Underwood Jr., RHP
- Jack Leathersich, LHP
Catchers
- Taylor Davis
- Tim Federowicz
Infielders
- Jesus Guzman
- Munenori Kawasaki
- Kris Negron
Outfielders
- Albert Almora Jr.
- John Andreoli
- Matt Murton
- Juan Perez
LHP Jack Leathersich and RHP Jonathan Pettibone are recovering from injuries and not expected to participate in Cactus League games. The 59-man roster includes 57 healthy players.
Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in 15 days.