Addison Russell

ESPN's Jeff Passan reports former Cubs shortstop Addison Russell is signing a one-year contract with the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korean Baseball Organization.

Fantasy Impact

It's a one-year, $530,000 contract. The 26-year-old still needs to pass his physical and obtain a work permit before arriving in South Korea. Russell was non-tendered by the Cubs back in December after hitting .237 with an OPS under .700 in 2019. The former top prospect was an important piece of Chicago's 2016 championship team, but his career has taken a turn for the worse following a domestic violence suspension last season.

Infielder and former top prospect Addison Russell was non-tendered by the Chicago Cubs on Monday, making him a free agent.

Fantasy Impact

Russell is a former top prospect who has underperformed in recent years while also being suspended by the league for violating its domestic abuse policy. He is still just 25 years old with a ton of potential, but any team that is interested in signing him will have to hope that he will benefit from a change of scenery while also dealing with some level of public backlash for signing a player with Russell's past.

Addison Russell went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's loss to the Brewers.

Fantasy Impact

Russell's homer was his ninth of the season, and came off Gio Gonzalez in the fifth inning. Russell will likely see increased playing time at shortstop while Javier Baez (thumb) nurses his injury.

Addison Russell went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's win over the Mets.

Fantasy Impact

Russell got the scoring started for the Cubs in the fifth by taking Marcus Stroman deep. Russell has homered in consecutive games, which could help him find more playing time in a crowded Cubs infield.

Addison Russell went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Sunday's loss to the Giants.

Fantasy Impact

Russell has been struggling to crack the starting lineup, competing with Tony Kemp and Ian Happ for playing time. Russell is batting .238 with a .719 OPS this season.