Cubs New Slugger Reveals Why He Joined Team

It wasn't a headline-stealing offseason for the Chicago Cubs by any means, but they were able to put themselves in a position to compete for the NL Central title.

They had solid additions, but the perception that the winter was disappointing is because ownership and the front office said they were going to chase some of the biggest-named star players and weren't able to land them.

Still, the Cubs have a team good enough to make the playoffs.

That was finalized when Cody Bellinger re-signed on a deal that costed the front office much less than originally anticipated.

Getting their star slugger back overshadowed them making another addition that should give them depth at the first base and designated hitter positions.

Chicago signed one-time All-Star Garrett Cooper on a minor league deal that includes an opt-out if he doesn't make the roster out of spring camp.

He's coming off his most prolific power hitting season where he bashed 17 homers and drove in 61 runs, but also struggled with the San Diego Padres to close the year after being shipped out by the Miami Marlins.

Cooper said he wishes he would have taken the first Major League offer that was presented to him this offseason, instead of waiting and eventually having to take this minor league deal.

The slugger said it was between the Cubs and Boston Red Sox before he decided to sign with the North Siders.

He told Maddie Lee of Chicago Sun-Times his reasoning for that choice, saying, "I just thought the situation was a little bit better here, where I could come in and win a spot."

There's a chance he gets that spot on the Opening Day roster.

With Michael Busch, Cody Bellinger, Dominic Smith and others in the mix at first base, Cooper and Patrick Wisdom are the only two right-handed hitting options.

That opt-out clause could also affect Chicago's decision making.

If he doesn't make the roster, then he'll likely decide to leave the franchise in search of his next opportunity for this upcoming season.

Cooper hasn't gotten a lot of opportunity during the Spring Training games so far, only appearing in two games, but he's recorded two hits, one for a double, and has driven in a run with his six at-bats.