Former top Cubs’ prospect, INF Christian Villanueva signs minor league contract with Padres
According to a report from Baseball America’s Matt Eddy, INF Christian Villanueva has signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres. The Cubs non-tendered Villanueva on Dec. 2 and he elected free agency.
Out of minor league options, Villanueva reported to Spring Training last February focused on making the team out of camp. Villanueva broke his right leg during infield practice on one of the backfields and missed the entire season.
The Cubs acquired Villanueva in the deal with the Rangers on July 31, 2012 that sent RHP Ryan Dempster to Texas for RHP Kyle Hendricks.