It's hard to say if it's good or not, my guess is that it's neither good nor bad, as any benefits are offset by costs. I think that as long as a guy still gets ~450 PA, and isn't jerked around into a bunch of different roles, a platoon can be a fine way to introduce a young player into the majors. (I would also think that if there's much hope for a future as an all-around player, that platoon better end quickly, otherwise it will be a self-fulfillng prophecy). I don't think there are any opportunity costs spending $1.2m + $350,000 to fill the CF spot, in general. The cost to the Cubs is likely Matt Murton, or whatever $1-X they are forced to take in a trade of Murton. I don't think it does much, yet. If somebody really wanted him, they would have had to offer Hendry a heck of a lot. If, going forward, it looks like he can't even handle a platoon role, his value will plummet. If he does really well in the role, his value may very well increase.