Cubs agree to minor league pact with recently-released Brewers utility man

Over the last few seasons, there has been plenty of overlap between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs' rosters. The fact that pitchers like Hoby Milner, Bryse Wilson, Colin Rea, Drew Pomeranz, and Aaron Civale have played for both NL Central rivals seemingly indicates that the two teams' front offices have similar models when it comes to under-the-radar pitching acquisitions.

Perhaps it's unsurprising, given the fact that former Brewers' manager Craig Counsell is now managing the Cubs' pitching staff, but it's a telling phenomenon that Chicago continues to add former Brewers to their roster. Now, it appears the trend has seeped into Chicago's position player group, as the Cubs just scooped up a former Brewers' utility man who was recently released by the first-place Brew Crew.

Earlier this week, former Brewer Greg Jones agreed to a minor league contract with the Cubs. Jones, a 28-year-old former first-round pick, was designated for assignment by the Brewers back on July 12. In the time since, Jones cleared waivers, was sent on an outright assignment to Triple-A, rejected that assignment -- a luxury afforded to him due to the fact that the Brewers already "outrighted" him earlier this year -- and subsequently signed a minor league deal with the Cubs after electing free agency.

Cubs sign former Brewer Greg Jones to a minor league deal as utility man Matt Shaw remains sidelined with left hand sprain

Jones appeared in just 12 games for the Brewers this year, but his lackluster performance made it difficult for Milwaukee to give him many more opportunities than they did. The switch-hitting Jones collected just two hits in 23 at-bats, while drawing zero walks and compiling 10 strikeouts. Despite showing his defensive versatility by manning both a corner outfield position and second base for the Brew Crew, it was difficult to see a long-term home for Jones in Milwaukee given his lack of offensive success.

The Cubs, however, may need a utility man stopgap, a role Jones briefly filled in Milwaukee, in the near future, as Matt Shaw remains sidelined with a left hand sprain that landed him on the IL at the end of June. As a result, Chicago may be another injury away from having to call upon Jones to fill a temporary need on their roster.

Though it's never clicked for Jones at the big-league level, he certainly possesses pedigree, as he was the 22nd overall pick in the 2019 draft. The Brewers thought they may be able to unlock Jones' true potential, but ultimately came up unsuccessful and now pass that responsibility to their division rivals. Jones is set to make his debut with the Iowa Cubs, Chicago's Triple-A squad, tonight as they take on the Gwinnett Stripers, and rehabbing Atlanta Braves starter AJ Smith-Shawver.

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