Chicago Cubs bring back Ian Stewart on a 1-year, $2M deal

Ian Stewart will be back in Chicago in 2013 according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN. The deal is said to be for 1-year/$2 million, with $500,000 in incentives, reports Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune.

The Cubs Opening Day third baseman was non-tendered on November 30th. However, the Cubs kept negotiations open with Stewart in the hopes of coming to terms on a new deal.

It looks as if the Cubs will have a few players competing for the starting third base job in 2013. Luis Valbuena, and Josh Vitters are the known candidates who may be challenging for the position.

The 27 year-old native of Long Beach, California hit .201 with 5 homers and 17 RBI in 179 at bats for the Cubs this past year. His playing time was limited due to persistent wrist and hand injuries.

Stewart was taken 10th overall in the 2003 amateur draft by the Colorado Rockies. In 2009, the infielder posted some impressive numbers for the Rockies, launching 25 homers and 70 RBI. If Stewart's hand and wrist problems are behind him, he may be able to produce similar numbers to his 2009 and 2010 seasons.