Cubs release former Reds second baseman Derek Dietrich

The former Cincinnati Reds second baseman’s stint in the Windy City was short

Prior to the start of the 2020 MLB regular season, the Chicago Cubs opted to sign former Cincinnati Reds second baseman Derek Dietrich to a minor league deal. After summer camp, Dietrich failed to make the Cubs’ major league roster.

On Sunday, the Cubs announced that they have granted Dietrich’s release request for him to seek a major league opportunity this season. As a result, Chicago’s roster now sits at 59 players.

Dietrich hoping to land on a major league roster this year

Dietrich was a second-round pick of the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2010 MLB Draft, but his stint was short-lived after he was traded to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Yunel Escobar. He would receive his major league call-up in 2013 and spent six seasons on the roster. In his time in South Beach, Dietrich recorded a .254 batting average, .335 on-base percentage and .422 slugging percentage while hitting 60 home runs and 204 RBI.

After being designated for assignment following the 2018 season, Dietrich found a new home with the Reds. Even though Dietrich had a subpar .187 batting average, he made up for it by accumulating career-highs in slugging percentage (.462) and home runs (19).

At the conclusion of the 2019 campaign, Dietrich was placed on waivers but after clearing, Cincinnati signed him to a minor league contract. After discovering he didn’t make Cincinnati’s 30-man Opening Day roster, Dietrich used the opt-out clause in his deal on July 20.

Now that his experiment with the Cubs is over, Dietrich is hoping that one of the other major league teams can give him a shot, especially considering he can play second base and the outfield. Considering that injuries can happen to anyone, a spot should open up for Dietrich at some point this year.