Albert Almora Jr.

Free agent center-fielder Albert Almora, Jr. has reportedly agreed to contract with the New York Mets.

Fantasy Impact

A former highly-regarded prospect with the Cubs, Almora, Jr. has proven to be an exceptional defender but has struggled offensively, posting a career .271/.309/.398 slash line with a career .707 OPS with just 28 career home runs and four career stolen bases since his debut in 2016. His offense has notably regressed in recent seasons as well. Almora could split time in the outfield with Brandon Nimmo and can be ignored in the majority of fantasy leagues for the time being.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports the Cubs aren't expected to tender a contract to OF Albert Almora Jr.

Fantasy Impact

Nightengale adds that the club isn't expected to tender a contract to Kyle Schwarber, either. Almora was the Cubs' first-round pick back in 2012, but he appeared in just 28 games during the shortened 2020 season, batting .167 without a homer.

Albert Almora has been optioned to the alternate site to make way for new acquisition Cameron Maybin, per GM Jed Hoyer.

Fantasy Impact

Almora has been downright abysmal at the plate, hitting just .167/.265/.200 in 34 plate appearances. He has been one of the worst hitters in the league since 2018, and he clearly has some work to do to make his way back to the big league roster.

Albert Almora sustained a mild rib contusion after crashing into the wall during Friday’s intrasquad game.

Fantasy Impact

Almora returned to the game after a brief visit in the training room. The injury does not appear to be serious and Almora should be fine moving forward. “That brick wall does not move -- at all," Cubs Manager David Ross said. "There's a fine line when you're sitting in this seat. You love the mindset of Albert and trying to catch every ball and kind of throwing caution to the wind. And then you're like, 'It's a scrimmage.' You'd like him to be a little more timid, but I don't want to ever take that away from my players.” Almora slashed .236/.271/.381 with 12 homers, 31 RBI, 41 runs and two stolen bases across 339 at-bats in 2019.

Albert Almora JR went 1-for-3 as the Cubs lost to the Phillies 4-2.

Fantasy Impact

Almora JR has been somewhat feast or famine of late, having gone 5-for-22 in his previous 10 games. However, all five of those hits came in just two games. In Tuesday’s loss, the outfielder had one of only five Cub hits against Jason Vargas.