REPORT: Cubs agree to sign two-time All-Star catcher |
CHICAGO — According to
USA TODAY MLB columnist Bob Nightengale and MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Chicago Cubs agreed to sign free-agent catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who was officially released by the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. Lucroy is currently taking part in his 10th big-league season and was previously named an All-Star as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers in 2014 and 2016. Presumably, catcher Taylor Davis, who was called up from Triple-A after Contreras landed on the injured list, will be sent back down to the minors by the Cubs in order to make room for Lucroy on the active roster.
Lucroy will help to fill a void at the catcher position for the Cubs in the wake of starting backstop Willson Contreras going down with a serious hamstring injury and backup catcher Martin Maldonado getting traded to the Houston Astros at the trade deadline. Lucroy is a well-rounded veteran who is skilled both at the plate and behind the dish, and he can team up with current Cubs starting catcher Victor Caratini to man the catching duties for the North Siders while Contreras is on the shelf. Jonathan Lucroy, as expected, indeed signs with the #Cubs now that cleared waivers and became a free agent. @JonHeyman first with news Sources: Lucroy goes to Cubs FIRST LOOK: Jonathan Lucroy is the newest member of the Cubs Cubs will pay prorated minimum on the Lucroy signing . Angels pay the rest . Update: Patrick Mooney of The Athletic Chicago later confirmed that Davis would be optioned in order to facilitate the signing of Lucroy. Mooney and Cubs manager Joe Maddon both indicated that they expected Lucroy to join the Cubs in Cincinnati on Thursday for the Cubs' upcoming series against the Cincinnati Reds. Newly signed catcher Jonathan Lucroy is expected to join the Cubs on Thursday in Cincinnati. Taylor Davis will be optioned back to Triple-A Iowa. Maddon says Lucroy will be with the team tomorrow in Cincy. Went on to say He’s done this division in the past, been an All Star, can swing the bat, Hamels played with him in Texas & speaks very highly of him...we’re excited to get a guy like that. #Cubs
(per @JonHeyman) pic.twitter.com/mck3lVrXOG
