Cubs sign Emilio Bonifacio

The Chicago Cubs have agreed to terms with Emilio Bonifacio on a minor league contract, according to an industry source. The agreement was first reported by Ildefonso Urena of Telemicro in the Dominican Republic.

According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, Bonifacio will receive $2.5MM in guaranteed money if he makes the major league roster and can earn $425K in additional incentives. He will also receive $574K from the Royals for terminating his contract.

Bonifacio, who turns 29 in April, was recently designated for assignment by the Royals before clearing release waivers and becoming a free agent. He drew interest from as many as ten teams, including the Orioles and Reds.

As Heyman reported, Bonifacio picked the Cubs over teams who were offering major league contracts. A source indicates that Bonifacio signed his deal with the Cubs "confident that he will make the team and be a big part of the team".

Bonifacio appeared at six different positions for the Blue Jays and Royals last season, and will provide depth for the Cubs as both an infielder and outfielder. He has seen time at second base, shortstop, third base, left field, center field and right field throughout his major league career.

In 136 split between Toronto and Kansas City last season, Bonifacio hit .243 with 3 HR and 31 RBI while stealing 28 bases. He is a lifetime .262 hitter with 10 HR and 131 RBI in seven major league seasons with the Diamondbacks (2007-2008), Nationals (2008), Marlins (2009-2012), Blue Jays (2013) and Royals (2013).