Cubs release veteran outfielder Cameron Maybin

The Cubs have released outfielder Cameron Maybin, the team announced. Three other players (Shelby Miller, Pedro Strop, Rafael Ortega) on minor-league deals were assigned to the Cubs' minor-league camp, as was right-hander Trevor Megill.

Maybin was first acquired by Chicago in a swap with the Tigers at last season’s trade deadline, and the veteran outfielder re-signed with the Cubs on a minors deal in February. Maybin’s 14th major-league campaign saw him hit .247/.307/.387 over 101 total plate appearances with Detroit and Chicago, and he also spent two weeks on the injured list due to a quad strain.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Maybin signed a new deal with the Cubs and remained in the organization as depth, or if the release means that the two sides are truly parting ways if Maybin wants to find a clearer MLB opportunity elsewhere.  Jake Marisnick will handle fourth-outfielder duties in Chicago, and the Cubs also have a couple of utilitymen in Eric Sogard and Ildemaro Vargas who can play the corner outfield in a pinch. On the minor-league front, the Cubs have Ortega, Michael Hermosillo, Ian Miller and Nick Martini as outfield options with some big-league experience.