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23h ago

Cubs Sign Former NPB Standout Tyler Austin to One-Year Deal

The 34-year-old returns from six productive seasons in Japan to provide right-handed depth at first base and designated hitter.

Sep 8, 2019; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Tyler Austin (29) rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the fourth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images.

Overview

  • The agreement is for one year at $1.25 million with incentives, according to reports confirmed by the Chicago Sun-Times and initially detailed by Jon Heyman.
  • ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the deal, noting Austin’s .293/.377/.568 line with 85 home runs over 403 NPB games for Yokohama.
  • Austin is expected to supply right-handed power as a bench option who can platoon at first base with left-handed hitter Michael Busch or fill designated-hitter at-bats.
  • He previously appeared in parts of four MLB seasons with the Yankees, Twins, Brewers, and Giants, posting a .219/.292/.451 line with 33 home runs in 583 plate appearances.
  • Coverage cites his recent success in Japan, including a reported 2024 Central League batting title and a BayStars championship run, and notes ties in Chicago with manager Craig Counsell and pitcher Shota Imanaga.