3 under the radar signings the Chicago Cubs can make for 2024
By Thomas Erbe
Former Chicago Cub knows a couple guys, could help depth at catcher.
Victor Caratini, you may remember, served as the backup and eventual personal catcher for Yu Darvish when he was on the Cubs from 2017-2020. He was eventually traded, along with Darvish, to the Padres in an unloading of salary when the Cubs were attempting to salvage the core. He then found himself in Milwaukee for the last two seasons, managed by Craig Counsell. If you recall and are keeping up with the recent developments, Counsell is now the manager of the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs currently have Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya as their listed catchers on the roster. Adding Caratini into the mix would relieve the pressure of Amaya having to be the everyday guy and providing Gomes rest days as he enters his age 36/37 season. Not to mention, Caratini has familiarity with Counsell and Counsell does with Caratini. These two have proven they work well together and can contribute to a roster ready to win.
Additionally, Caratini has a relationship still with Darvish. Darvish has a relationship with Ohtani. There is a world where signing Caratini could help the Cubs chances at landing the generational talent.