Bonifacio wanted best chance to make big league roster

MESA, Ariz. -- Emilio Bonifacio received other offers from big league teams, but he said the Cubs gave him the best opportunity.

Bonifacio, 28, signed a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training on Saturday, and was in camp Wednesday. He split last season between the Blue Jays and Royals, batting .243 for the season.

The Cubs have told the versatile Bonifacio that he has a good chance of being on the Opening Day roster. That was all he needed to hear.

"I thought they had a pretty good team and young talent," he said. "The other teams, they were really set up and I thought it would be hard to make the cut."