Report: Cubs On Verge Of Acquiring Miguel Montero
(CBS) The Cubs are on the verge of acquiring two-time All-Star catcher Miguel Montero from the Diamondbacks, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported, and the deal is expected to be completed by day's end.
The Cubs have been searching for an upgrade at catcher after missing out on free agent Rusell Martin, who signed with the Blue Jays. The 31-year-old Montero, a left-handed hitter, has three years and $40 million left on his contract, so this move would be a financial commitment for Chicago.
It's not clear who the Cubs intend to trade away to acquire Montero, but reports indicated it would be lower-level minor league pitchers.
Montero hit .243 with 13 homers and 72 RBIs and a .699 OPS in 136 games with Arizona last season. He's a career .264 hitter with a .763 OPS.
Montero is considered a good defensive catcher and one of the better pitch framers in all of baseball. Part of his appeal is that he could work with the young pitchers on the Cubs' staff and be a positive influence on the young hitters who will figure onto the Opening Day roster.
Welington Castillo, 27, is the Cubs' incumbent catcher. He hit .237 with 13 homers and 46 RBIs last season and is arbitration-eligible.