Cubs sign veteran catcher to minor-league deal |
It's always good to have quality depth at catcher, especially of the veteran variety.
The Chicago Cubs have signed free-agent catcher Jose Lobaton to a minor-league deal with an invitation to Summer Camp according to the Cubs transaction page. The 35-year-old will be added to the 60-man roster and will be part of a group at South Bend in case of injuries at the big-league level. Catchers Willson Contreras, Victor Caratini, and possibly Josh Phegley are the trio set for Opening Day if the Cubs decide to keep three catchers on the roster. Lobaton was recently released by the Dodgers and has spent time with the Mets (2018), Nationals (2014-2017), Rays (2011-2013), and Padres (2009). In 2019, he hit .236 with 14 homers over 374 plate appearances in Triple-A ball with the Dodgers and Mariners. For his MLB career, the switch-hitter has a .215 average with 21 homers and 107 RBIs. Hoyer on Loboton additon: helps depth after concerns of running low on catching Cubs add Loboton, RHPs Cory Abbott and Tyson Miller to South Bend roster
