The Theo Epstein era has its first free agent signing: ex-Kansas City Royals and Oakland A's OF David DeJesus. Though terms of the contract have yet to be disclosed, the Cubs signed DeJesus, 31, on Wednesday to a two-year deal with a club option for 2014.
DeJesus had a disappointing year for the A's last year, hitting .240/.323/.376 with 10 home runs, but his career numbers (.284/.356/.421) are much better than that. Though DeJesus isn't exactly a household name, the signing fits Epstein's philosophy, thanks to DeJesus' strong on-base skills (prior to last year, anyway) and ability to play all three outfield positions. With top prospect Brett Jackson expected to be given the opportunity to win the center field job in Spring Training, it's likely that DeJesus will be taking over for the departed Kosuke Fukudome in right field.
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