Cubs Sign Tyler Austin to $1.25M One-Year Deal

Chicago Cubs first baseman Tyler Austin is set to return to Major League Baseball after a six-year stint in Japan, agreeing to a one-year major league contract worth $1.25 million with the Cubs, including incentives.

The 34-year-old right-handed hitter, who last appeared in an MLB game in 2019, brings power potential and experience to Chicago's bench. Sources confirmed the deal places Austin on the Cubs' 40-man roster, where he is expected to provide depth at first base and possibly as a designated hitter, given his limited outfield play. The Cubs, who have successfully integrated Japanese talent like pitcher Shota Imanaga and outfielder Seiya Suzuki, view Austin as a low-risk addition to enhance matchup options in a lineup largely set for next season.

Austin's path back to the majors follows a dominant run in Nippon Professional Baseball. Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 13th round of the 2010 MLB Draft, he debuted in the big leagues on August 13, 2016, the same day as Aaron Judge. In their first at-bats, Austin and Judge hit back-to-back home runs, a moment Yankees general manager Brian Cashman hailed at the time: "These are exciting young guys who have to now prove...