The Chicago Cubs continue to add depth to their roster, this time to the outfield. On New Year's Eve, the Cubs signed costless agent outfielder Chris Denorfia. MLB.com's Jamal Collier reports that the contract is for one year, and CBS Sports.com's Jon Heyman says that Denorfia will make $2.5 million for 2015.

Denorfia, good vs. LHP, in OF and clubhouse, will receive about $2.5M on 1-yr cubs deal

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 31, 2014

Denorfia, a right-handed hitter, can play all three outfield positions, making him a valuable fourth outfielder. He also hits left-handers well, and Collier notes that the Cubs plan to use him in a platoon role. Chris Coghlan and Ryan Sweeney are left-handed-hitting outfielders, and Arismendy Alcantara switch hits. Denorfia could also serve as the designated hitter in Interleague games played in the American League ball parks.

Denorfia spilt 2014 with the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. He complied totals of .230/.284/.318 with 3 HR and 21 RBI in 353 plate appearances. Those numbers are down, but his track record shows him as a much more productive hitter: .272/.331/.394, 38 HR, and 178 RBI in at least parts of nine seasons. He also has a career fielding percentage of .986. He has played mostly in right field, but he has also spent significant time in both center and left.

Former Padres teammate and former Cubs catcher John Baker expressed his delight in seeing his friend join the Cubs. 

Chris Denorifa to the @cubs ? Deno is one of my favorite teammates of all time! The Cubs fans are going to love him. Enjoy him Chicago.

— John Baker (@manbearwolf) December 31, 2014

Baker sent out this tweet congratulating Denorfia on the contract and letting him and Cub fans know that he made a wise decision.

Denorfia will likely take over the role that Justin Ruggiano had in 2014. The Cubs traded Ruggiano to Seattle in mid-December, but Denorfia will help return some veteran leadership and presence to a very young Cubs team. 

The Cubs have made some very significant moves this offseason in their attempt to put a contender on the field in 2015. Most notably, the Cubs signed starters Jon Lester and Jason Hammel, but they have also added reliever Jason Motte in addition to catchers Miguel Montero and David Ross, Lester's catcher with the Boston Red Sox. They also acquired second baseman Tommy La Stella from the Atlanta Braves. Most importantly, they nabbed the best manager available in Joe Maddon. The Cubs may now have that perfect blend of veteran leadership, winning experience, and talented youth to break costless from five straight losing seasons and begin making their push toward the postseason and -- as Cubs fans long for -- a World Series.