Cubs Sign Former Angels OF Michael Hermosillo to Minors Deal, Perhaps Eyeing Platoon Option

According to Jon Heyman, the Cubs have signed former Angels outfielder Michael Hermosillo to a minor league deal. The 25-year-old has played parts of the last three seasons in the majors, compiling a .188/.288/.287 slash line with one homer in 114 plate appearances, though he’s never had more than 62 PAs in any one season.

Michael Hermosillo, ex Angels OF, agrees to minors deal with Cubs

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 2, 2020

Hermosillo’s minor-league numbers are a little more promising, as he’s slashed .264/.361/.407 over 2,106 plate appearances dating back to 2013. He’s only hit 45 home runs and stolen 96 bases in that same span, however, indicating that he’s got neither the power nor the speed to make a significant impact. On the flip side, he can play all three outfield positions and has put up very good defensive numbers in limited MLB action.

Perhaps the most notable aspect here is that the righty-batting Hermosillo has been much, much better against left-handed pitchers throughout his career. The samples aren’t great, but he complied a .336 average with 10 homers over 122 Triple-A at-bats vs. southpaws over 2018 and ’19. He also hit .226 with a 105 wRC+ against them during 44 MLB plate appearances.

It’s a longshot, but a Cubs team looking for cheap options to improve both outfield defense and hitting against lefties may have just picked up a lottery ticket. Not unlike what we discussed with former Reds and Rays outfield Brian O’Grady, Hermosillo could fit as an inexpensive bench player who fits their needs well. Or he’s just a quad-A player with virtually no risk attached.

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