Chicago Cubs: Team makes smart choice to add Jonathan Lucroy

With Willson Contreras out for the next month, the Chicago Cubs made a really smart decision adding catcher Jonathan Lucroy today.

The Chicago Cubs were playing with fire when Willson Contreras was sent to the injured list because of a strained hamstring that will keep him out at least a month. It’s the same injury he suffered back in 2017 that hampered his production upon his return. In last night’s game against the Athletics, Victor Caratini got banged up on a play at the plate.

For a second, it looked like the Cubs were down to just Taylor Davis who was called up from Iowa as the corresponding move to Contreras going to the IL. Kyle Schwarber even got some time behind the plate last night but was likely due to the score as the Cubs trailed 11-2 heading into the ninth inning.

In fact, Taylor Davis pitched a scoreless ninth, so it appears Anthony Rizzo has some competition if the Cubs need an emergency reliever. As such, the Cubs felt it was best to add some catching depth in the form of Jonathan Lucroy, who was recently designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels.

If you recall, Lucroy was part of a nasty collision at home plate against the Astros that left him with a concussion back in early July. The Cubs should be familiar with Lucroy from his days with the Milwaukee Brewers and could be a really solid option for the team as a backup catcher.

Caratini will get most of the starts but the team obviously doesn’t feel too comfortable in Taylor’s abilities behind the plate and in the lineup. Lucroy is a far cry from the player he once was but he is serviceable.  In 74 games this season, he was slashing 0.242/0.310/0.371 with 7 home runs and 30 RBI’s.

If the Cubs decide to keep him on the roster when Contreras returns, Lucroy also has 15 games of postseason experience, which you can never have enough of. This was a badly needed move and should ease Cubs fans’ minds about the catching situation while Contreras returns to 100 percent.