The Chicago Cubs granted infielder Jonathan Villar an unconditional release from the team this week, multiple sources reported.
The 31-year-old signed a one-year deal with the team in March and was designated for assignment on June 24 to make room for David Bote. Villar's subsequent release was expected, assuming the veteran would not be receptive to a stint in the minor leagues.
Jonathan Villar has been granted his unconditional release from #Cubs, team announces.
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) June 29, 2022
Villar, who was designated for assignment June 24, hit .222/.271/.327 in 46 games. Cubs had signed him in March to a one-year deal worth $6 million with a mutual option for next season.
While Villar remains a solid defensive player, he struggled for Chicago through the first few months of the season. He registered just 34 hits in 153 at-bats and leaves Chicago with a slash line of .222/.271/.327.
Villar can now be pursued by other teams. As of Wednesday afternoon, he had not been connected to any other ball clubs yet.
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