Cubs make decision on Albert Almora Jr. |
Moves are happening fast for the stretch run.
Chicago Cubs general manager announced Monday that outfielder Albert Almora Jr. will be optioned to the South Bend training site. The team was able to trade for veteran outfielder Cameron Maybin in the final moments of the trade deadline and will use him as a bench option in replace of Almora. Hoyer said that Maybin is more accustomed coming off the bench than Almora. “I think sometimes a veteran player like a Cam Maybin at this point in his career is used to come off the bench and pinch-hitting and playing a little bit less,” he said. “Oftentimes those players in those kinds of roles fit better and we get a chance to send Albert to the alt site and he can get a bunch of at-bats and hopefully get clicking.” The Cubs still have two years of control via arbitration with Almora and hopefully he can get his swing back and be a productive part of the ballclub down the road. Probably the right move for Almora's future as now he will get plenty of at-bats at Sound Bend to work on his hitting. The Cubs will also get Kris Bryant and Steve Souza Jr. back "fairly soon" therefore the need for Almora was less with the addition of Maybin. For the season in 30 total at-bats, Almora hit .167 with a RBI. During his young career, he is a .271 hitter with 28 homers and 134 RBI. Not sure if this is the last we'll see of Albert Almora Jr or not but this is one of the class acts on the Cubs. Always about the team. And always, always avail for the media and fans.
