Chicago Cubs sign free-agent catcher Dioner Navarro – MLB News
The Chicago Cubs on Thursday, November 15, added another veteran backup catcher to the roster, signing free-agent Dioner Navarro. The one-year contract, worth $1.75 million, is second one this week after the club brought in free agent Scott Baker – a new and much-needed addition to the roster.
It is Welington Castillo who is projected as the Cubs’ regular catcher in the upcoming season given the consistency he demonstrated this year. Appearing in 52 games, the catcher had .265 batting average; something that the Cubs needed most when it came to their otherwise struggling offence.
Navarro has previously played for the teams like Cincinnati Reds, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. The past season he represented the Cincinnati Reds in 24 games, maintaining an impressive .290 average.
Navarro holds .245 average with 41 career home-runs. Known for his consistency, he is a promising addition to the team considering the experience and effectiveness he brings to the team.
Navarro’s most impressive performance came in 2008 when he played for the Rays. Not only did he make it to the All-Star Game that season, but also hit .295 with seven homers and 54 RBIs.
Signing contracts with these experienced players (Scott Baker included) is a positive development for a team that is looking to reverse the tide. The club which has not won World Series for over nine decades now need a formidable line-up capable of doing the ostensibly impossible.
Other than this Navarro deal, the Cubs will continue their pursuit given the plans they intend to execute in the days to come. Earlier in the season, there were rumours that closer Carlos Marmol was being traded, but nothing of that sort happened as he said he wanted to stay with the team.
"Because I love the city, I love the team," he said. "I grew up here. When you love something, you don't want to leave it. I like it here. Â… They know, everybody knows.
He added, "We struggled. Just hope they can put a better team out there and I think they're going to do it. Who knows?"
The rebuilding process for the Cubs seems all the more promising now with the addition of experienced players.
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