Chicago Cubs rumors: Team connected to Tigers’ catcher Alex Avila
Recent MLB trade rumors have connected the Chicago Cubs to Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila.
The Chicago Cubs designated Miguel Montero for assignment on Wednesday. His inability to control the run game was a major issue and throwing Jake Arrieta under the bus publically was the final straw.
The Cubs called up catcher prospect Victor Caratini to take Montero’s spot on the roster. While there is a lot to like about Caratini’s game, I would not be surprised to see the Cubs look for a veteran to pair with Willson Contreras in their catcher rotation.
Caratini is a great hitter for a catcher, but he is a converted infielder who is still learning the position. Expecting him to handle a major league pitching staff well at this point in his career would be a mistake. A backup catcher is probably not their biggest need, but the Cubs could certainly look to acquire on prior to the July 31st trade deadline.
On Wednesday, MLB Insider Jon Morosi brought up an interesting target for the Cubs in Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila.
Alex Avila an ideal fit for #Cubs in many ways; good bat and can help control running game in division that includes #Brewers, #Reds. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 28, 2017
Alex Avila is one possibility for #Cubs as they consider options at backup catcher; 40% CS, 1.026 OPS this year. @MLB @MLBNetwork #Tigers
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 28, 2017
On the surface, this would be a slam dunk acquisition for the Chicago Cubs. Avila is not a great defensive catcher, but he can control the run game. Plus, his offensive output this season has been absolutely incredible.
Incredible offensive season
Avila is hitting an impressive .321/.435/.597 this season. According to FanGraphs, Avila also has an incredible 174 wRC+ and a 16.2% walk rate. Simply put, he has been an absolute force with the bat this season and would undoubtedly add a spark to the Cubs lineup.
The Tigers are currently 34-43 on the year and have not shown any signs of competing on a high level. Avila is also in the final year of his deal and will hit free agency this offseason. The Tigers appear ready for at least a minor rebuild and selling Avila when his value is high makes all of the sense in the world.
However, will the Cubs be willing to pay the price? The left-handed hitting Avila would be a nice veteran complement to the right-handed hitting Contreras, but with his offensive success this season, he is not going to come cheap.
I am sure the Cubs would love to find a veteran catcher to replace Montero, but they also have obvious needs in the pitching staff. The Cubs are better off using their assets to find a starting pitcher with long-term control. I guess it all depends on what the Tigers’ asking price will be.
Enough playing time to go around?
Avila is clearly a starting-caliber catcher, but the Cubs already have one in Contreras. It never hurts to have more talent but I imagine they would rather find a veteran backup who would cost very little in a trade.
The problem is, there really aren’t any veteran backup catchers expected to be available who fit what they need well. Kurt Suzuki of the Atlanta Braves and Nick Hundley of the San Francisco Giants stand out, but neither are strong defensive catchers. The Cubs would likely give up a bit of offense to find the right guy to control a pitching staff.
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With so few options available, Avila may make the most sense for the Chicago Cubs. As long as he does not cost so much that it affects their ability to trade for a pitcher, all is well. It will be interesting to see what the Cubs do in the upcoming month. Getting rid of Montero throws an interesting wrench in their plans.