The new Cubs front office made its first significant move today, signing David DeJesus to a two year deal with ten million dollars in guaranteed money. And strangely enough, I find this move more interesting than a Pujols signing.

Let’s get this out of the way quickly – this is a good signing for Epstein and Hoyer. DeJesus is not a superstar, but he is a multitalented athlete who doesn’t have any significant deficiencies. His power may profile a bit light for the conventional corner outfielder, but he’s a strong defender who should get on base fairly well. He doesn’t have much in the way of basestealing speed, but he’s speedy enough to take the extra base on a hit when there’s the opportunity. In his worst seasons, DeJesus grades out as an average player – in his best seasons, he could be a real asset. The rule of thumb is an average player is worth two WAR per season. At current prices, that’s about ten million dollars on the free agent market. In securing the services of DeJesus for the next two years at the mere cost of $4.25 million, our new front office has made its first move a bargain.

What makes this move interesting though is the impact it’s likely have on the rest of the Cubs outfield. As of this moment, it’s logical to assume that the Cubs might be planning on going into the season with Soriano in left field, Byrd in center, and DeJesus in right. But the situation is complicated by the presence of Brett Jackson.

Considered by most to be the Cubs top prospect, twenty-three year old center fielder Brett Jackson was thought to be slated for the Opening Day lineup. He’s an exciting player, with above average power and speed and a good plate approach. He posted a .404 wOBA in his first taste of AAA at the end of last season. He has significant issues with strikeouts, but those aren’t likely to be resolved merely by spending a few months in Iowa. He’s just about as major league ready as he’s ever likely to get and his value as a prospect will likely never be higher.

So the Cubs have four outfielders for three spots. They need to find a way to keep one of Soriano, Byrd, or Jackson off the Cubs roster. And the decision they make here will be very telling for how they plan to approach the rest of the 2012 offseason.  The options as I see them:

1. Attempt to trade Alfonso Soriano – It wont be easy. Soriano is due $18 million per year for the next three years. An AL team who can give Soriano a couple starts a week in the DH slot to keep his legs fresh may be interested, but the Cubs would likely need to eat at least $10 million per year if not more in order to find a taker. This move would likely indicate an attempt to win in the short term.
2. Attempt to trade Marlon Byrd – This one would be much easier. Byrd is quite similar to DeJesus in that he is an average to slightly above average player who is making less than market value. He could likely bring back an interesting little prospect or two. This move would indicate more long-term planning than going for it in 2012.
3. Attempt to trade Brett Jackson – This is the most exciting option. Brett Jackson is a good enough prospect to be a centerpiece in a deal for just about any player likely to be moved this offseason. The most obvious candidate is David Wright, but there are a few starting pitchers who may or may not be available as well in Cole Hamels and John Danks. Obviously this is a “go for it” scenario.
4. Send Brett Jackson to Iowa – This is more of a non-move than a real move. Jackson isn’t likely to receive any real benefit from the at bats in Iowa, but leaving him in Iowa until the trade deadline does delay his free agency and arbitration status by one year. The front office will still have to make one of the first three choices, but this option does allow them to stall for a bit.

I can’t wait to see which way the Cubs go with this. Their whole offseason may well be defined by their follow up to signing David DeJesus. Kinda makes you realize how boring signing a new 1B would have been, huh?