News out of Mesa, Arizona today on the first day that pitchers and catchers report. The Chicago Cubs and outfielder Scott Hairston agreed to terms: two-years, $5 million contract. To make room for Hairston on the 40-man roster, outfielder Tony Campana was designated for assignment.
The deal was reported last month and is now finalized. Scott Hairston, who can earn an additional $1 million more in incentives, will serve on the short side of a platoon with Nate Schierholtz in right field. The Cubs have some trade candidates in their outfield, though, so he could conceivable wind up playing regularly at some point
Scott Hairston hit .263 with 25 doubles, 20 home runs and 57 RBI in 134 games with the New York Mets last season, setting career highs in home runs, games played and slugging percentage (.504). Scott Hairston was one of only eight National League outfielders to have at least a .500 slugging percentage and reach 20 home runs and 25 doubles last season.
The right-handed batter and thrower hit .286 (54-for-189) with 17 doubles, 11 home runs, 30 RBI, a .550 slugging percentage and an .867 OPS against left-handed pitching last season. He tied for fourth in the league in home runs, ranked fourth in doubles and was 13th in slugging percentage against southpaws.
Hairston is one of five members of his family to play in the majors and becomes the third member of his family to join the Cubs organization. His uncle, Johnny, played for the Cubs in 1969 and his brother, Jerry, played for the Cubs from 2005-06. Scott, his brother, his father (Jerry) and his grandfather (Sam) comprise one of only four families that have seen three generations play in the big leagues, joining the Bells, Boones and Colemans.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Hairston spent part of his high school years at Naperville North (a local boy) and was originally selected by the Diamondbacks out of Central Arizona Junior College in the third round of the 2001 Draft.
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