CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jason Kipnis knew it wasn’t going to be easy to find work once he left the Indians as a free agent at the end of the 2019 season after they declined his $16.5 million club option for 2020.

He was on the wrong side of 30 in an industry that over the last few years has not looked kindly on veterans whose production has slipped. He was right.

Kipnis, 32, had to wait until spring training camps were opening in Arizona and Florida to agree to a one-year minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs. The good part of the deal is that it could be a homecoming for Kipnis if he makes the big-league club. He’s from Northbrook, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, and lives in the city.

If Kipnis makes the Cubs, he’ll make $1 million with a chance to earn incentives on a one-year deal. Kipnis spent the last nine years with the Indians, going to two All-Star Games. He was a second-round pick in 2009 out of Arizona State.

His numbers and his ability to stay on the field have been in decline since. Last year he hit .245 (112-for-458) in 121 games. He slashed .245/.304/.410 with 17 homers. He managed to recover from a slow start, hitting .270 with 15 homers and 50 RBI from June 16 through the end of the season.

The A’s and White Sox were also reportedly interested in Kipnis.

Kipnis, for the first time since he made his big-league debut in 2011, is going to have to compete for a job. The Cubs have David Bote, Daniel Descalso and prospect Nico Hoerner scheduled to see action at second base this spring.

The Indians had 12 free agents at the end of last season. A.J. Cole (Toronto); Tyler Clippard (Minnesota); Dan Otero (Yankees); Nick Goody (Texas); Tyler Olson (Cubs) and Kipnis have found jobs. Yasiel Puig, Danny Salazar, Cody Anderson, Dioner Navarro and Michael Martinez are still seeking employment. Adam Rosales retired.