Cubs Release Munenori Kawasaki

(CBS) The Cubs have released Munenori Kawasaki, the little-used 35-year-old infielder who gained his most acclaim for his easygoing personality and exuberant celebrations throughout the team's championship run in 2016.

Kawasaki was 7-of-21 at the plate while appearing in 14 games for the Cubs in 2016. He didn't play in the postseason last year but was amid all the fun. Once again, Kawasaki had no path to playing time at the big league level as the Cubs parted ways with him.

If Kawasaki goes unsigned by other big league teams, the manager Joe Maddon and the Cubs have already expressed a desire to bring Kawasaki back on a minor league deal.