Cubs Infielder Elects to Hit Free Agency

The Chicago Cubs find themselves in a similar situation this offseason as they were during last year's.

They want to upgrade their infield.

That vision caused them to hand out a seven-year, $177 million contract to Dansby Swanson, which brought the defensive results they were looking for.

But, there are still glaring weaknesses at first and third base after neither Christopher Morel nor Patrick Wisdom could separate themselves as everyday guys at the hot corner and there was a continued rotation of players at first base.

Heading into 2023, the Cubs' front office decided to sign former Los Angeles Dodgers' third baseman Edwin Rios to a one-year, $1 million contract.

There was a thought that he could get consistent playing time in Chicago as a veteran infielder who flashed decent power numbers.

Ultimately, that wasn't the case as he never got things going as a member of the Cubs.

Rios only played in 18 games after signing before Spring Training. He had a slash line of .071/.235/.214 with one home run and two RBI.

After being with the team in April and May, a groin strain first sent him down the minor leagues to rehab.

He didn't play another game with Chicago after June 3, spending the rest of his time with the Triple-A affiliate.

Now, Rios has elected to enter free agency instead of returning to the Cubs' organization following the frustrating year.

Even while the third base position had continued struggles, the veteran infielder never got another opportunity despite hitting .263/.364/.454 with six home runs and 20 RBI for Triple-A.

Overall, this isn't a major loss for Chicago who seemingly didn't think that Rios fit into their vision for the MLB roster moving forward, but it takes away another option for this team searching for answers at that position.