DeJesus Trade

DeJesus to Nationals

By Tony Rusch



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Cubs outfielder David DeJesus was claimed off of waivers by the Washington Nationals earlier today in exchange for a player to be named later.

DeJesus, 33, missed over a month of this season due to a shoulder injury, but his .250 batting average and six home runs were enough for the Nationals to solidify a deal with the Cubs in which Washington will absorb his $1.5 million buyout for 2014.

The deal seems to be the right move for both clubs who will benefit from the switch. By trading DeJesus, rather than pulling him back from waivers, the Cubs will save a reported $2.5 million and will open up a spot on the roster for outfielders Brian Bogusevic and Ryan Sweeney who are expected to return from the DL soon. The Nationals are already set in the outfield with Bryce Harper, Denard Span, and Jason Werth, but DeJesus should prove to be an insurance acquisition if injuries should arise or if a bat is needed off the bench. In preparation for the trade, Washington released outfielder Roger Bernadina to make room for the incoming DeJesus.

At this point of the season, the Cubs had no problem dealing the 33-year-old who will much better serve the Nationals down the stretch than a last-place Chicago side that has been cleaning house for the majority of the season.

Fittingly, the Cubs are set to square off against Washington later tonight. Outfielder Junior Lake will most likely inherit liberties at centerfield tonight and for the rest of the 2013 season..