The Cubs pulled off a minor trade on Tuesday.
The team sent Miles Mastrobuoni to the Mariners for cash considerations, they announced.
Mastrobuoni was designated for assignment last week, when the team acquired right-handed pitcher Matt Festa in a trade with Texas.
The 29-year-old infielder appeared in 118 games across two seasons with the Cubs, hitting .219 with a home run, 9 RBI and 16 stolen bases. He served primarily as a utility bench bat for the Cubs, with the ability to play corner outfield, third base and the middle infield.
But last month, the team acquired former top-100 prospect Vidal Bruján from Miami for Matt Mervis. Bruján has played every position except catcher in the big leagues. The 26-year-old switch hitter looks to be the new utility option for manager Craig Counsell, so Mastrobuoni became surplus for the Cubs.
The Cubs had been searching for a left-handed hitting bench option this offseason. While the Cubs could still add in that department, Bruján could be an option for that role. A player in that mold would allow Counsell to mix-and-match his infield against right-handed pitching, while also giving some time off to Dansby Swanson or Nico Hoerner.
Their infield trends very right-handed heavy — especially if top prospect Matt Shaw is their Opening Day third baseman. So having someone like Bruján would allow Counsell to add a lefty option that could break up a potentially right-handed heavy lineup.
Mastrobuoni was the Cubs Opening Day starter in right field in 2023. He was acquired in November 2022 from Tampa Bay for minor-league pitcher Alfredo Zárraga.
