A forgettable season – potentially the worst in franchise history – has killed most of the enthusiasm the Cubs built with their new front office and the arrival of Theo Epstein, the man tasked with ending more than a century of playoff futility.

But for at least one sunny summer day Cubs fans could rejoice that a bright future lies ahead. Epstein and Co. added another piece to their rebuilding project Monday by winning the bid for 20-year-old Cuban defector Jorge Soler.

The Cubs agreed to terms with the outfielder for nine years and $30 million guaranteed, though he can choose to opt out of deal when he is arbitration eligible, according to multiple reports. Soler was declared a free agent last week after the league verified that he had established residency outside of Cuba. The Yankees, Blue Jays, Phillies and Red Sox were among the teams interested in Soler.