Miles Mastrobuoni walked into manager David Ross' office earlier this week. He was expecting the news to be bad. But he was elated when he learned he would be on the Chicago Cubs Opening Day roster.
"A big smile on my face, for sure," Mastrobuoni recalled.
The 27-year-old was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays during the offseason, bringing the ability to play all over the infield and in the outfield.
He hit .350, drove in three runs and stole three bases in 20 at-bats this spring. He also played for Team Italy at the World Baseball Classic, hitting .278 with two RBI and a stolen base in international play.
He is expected to play in a utility role for the Cubs, something he's excited to do, especially at the team's home ballpark.
"I've heard so many great things about the fanbase and Chicago," he said. "I'm just happy I get to be a part of it and experience Wrigley (Field). I heard it's an amazing place, and I can't wait to get out there."
Mastrobuoni has yet to have a chance to showcase himself at the Big League level. He has just eight games of Major League experience, spending most of the 2022 season with the Rays' Triple-A outfit.
In the minors, he's shown the ability to be a threat at the plate and on the base paths, posting career highs in home runs (16) and stolen bases (23) last year.
Now he wants to prove he can offer the same with the Cubs.
"I think 'gamer,' that's the one word that comes to my mind; play every inning hard, never take an at-bat for granted, and leave it all out on the field. I want to do whatever I can to help this club," he said.
He'll look to follow a similar trajectory as former Rays' utility man Jake Cronenworth, who only got a chance to showcase himself once he was traded to the Padres.
Mastrobuoni will be an easy guy to root for.
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