Stewart Close To Deal With Cubs To Leave Team

(CBS) -- The Chicago Cubs could be close to working out a deal to have third basemen Ian Stewart leave the team two weeks after Stewart criticized the Cubs in a series of tweets, according to a report by CBS Sport's Jon Heyman.

Stewart has $1 million remaining on his contract, which is guaranteed.

Responding to one of his followers who asked when he'd be back with the Cubs in Chicago, Stewart responded: "Probably never... I said that because the Cubs are done with me. There going to let me ROTT in AAA all season and then non tender me after."

When one of his followers said he was "worthless" and should "quit baseball," Stewart replied: "why would I quit. I'm making 2 mill in AAA like u would give that up by quitting."

Stewart later retweeted someone who seemingly took a shot a Cubs' brass saying, "sad part is Stew isn't an AAA baller. He is a big show baller in an org. With terrible leadership."

Stewart later issued an apology for the tweets.

The Cubs sent Stewart to Iowa on a rehab assignment in April after he injured his quad during a spring training game in February. In 110 at-bats this season for Triple-A, Stewart is hitting just .164 with a.279 on-base percentage.