So, Carlos Pena is a Cub. The slugging first baseman reportedly signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Wrigley Field inhabitants Wednesday, giving the Cubs another big bat in their lineup. 

But is Pena worth the money? His power is certainly renowned; he’s blasted 144 home runs and knocked in 407 runs over the last four seasons. And he’s a lefty, something the Cubs are in desperate need of in a lineup filled with right handed hitters. 

Pena’s defense is also stellar, and he’s snagged a Gold Glove (in 2008). 

But Pena’s always been streaky, and he’s been one of baseball’s most notorious boom-or-bust players over the last two seasons. In 2009, he hit .229, but clubbed 38 home runs and drove in 100 runs. Things nosedived off a cliff in 2010, as the slugger hit just .196, and was benched for much of the Rays’ division series loss to the Texas Rangers.

He strikes out a ton, and he joins a team that continues to rank amongst the most impatient in all of baseball at the dish. 

That being said, the contract is only one-year. And Pena can rake, when he’s feeling it. In short, this looks like a low-risk, high-reward venture for the Cubbies. 

For more free agent news, check out MLB Free Agency: Cliff Lee and the 20 Most Coveted Free Agent Pitchers Ever