Cubs tender contract to suspended Addison Russell

The Chicago Cubs tendered Addison Russell a contract ahead of Friday's deadline, keeping the 24-year-old shortstop on the roster.

Russell was suspended 40 games under MLB's domestic violence policy in October, retroactive to Sept. 21. He's eligible to return to major-league play in May.

"While this decision leaves the door open for Addison to later make an impact for us on the field, it does not represent the finish line nor rubber-stamp his future as a Cub," team president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said in a statement. "It does, however, reflect our support for him as long as he continues to make progress and demonstrates his commitment to these important issues."

MLB placed Russell on administrative leave in late September when his ex-wife, Melisa Reidy, published a blog post detailing Russell's physical and emotional mistreatment of her during their marriage.

"I offer my heartfelt apology to my family and my former wife Melisa for my past behavior," Russell said in a statement. "I also want to apologize to Cubs fans, the Cubs organization, and my teammates for letting them down. Since accepting my suspension, I've had time to reflect on my past behavior and think about the next steps I need to take to grow as a person."

Russell added that he accepted his suspension without appeal, has complied with the MLB-MLBPA treatment plan, continues to participate in therapy, and recently discussed his progress and future goals with Epstein and Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts.