Ryan Sweeney has signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs and is expected to begin the year with their Triple-A team in Des Moines, The Gazette reported on its website Tuesday.

Sweeney, an outfielder from Cedar Rapids, has spent seven years in the Major Leagues with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland A's and Boston Red Sox.

Sweeney, 28, was not included on Boston's 25-man roster for Opening Day this season and elected to become a free agent. He is a career .280 hitter.

The Des Moines I-Cubs open the season Thursday at Albuquerque.