The Cubs backup catcher in 2013 has found a home north of the border where he will presumably get a chance to start.
The Cubs will have to find a new backup catcher for 2014. Ken "Robothal" Rosenthal broke the news this morning.
Sources: #BlueJays’ deal with Dioner Navarro is two years, $8M. Pending physical.
Dioner Navarro was one of the few bright spots in the 2013 season in Chicago. After signing a one year. $1.75 million deal with the team to backup Welington Castillo, Navarro hit .300/.365/.492 with 13 home runs and 34 RBI over 89 games.
Such a performance was destined to catch the attention of other teams and with the Cubs committed to Castillo as their catcher for the time being (and likely the long-term), it seemed a foregone conclusion that Navarro would sign somewhere else. In fact, we heard very little about the Cubs trying to bring him back, even though the Cubs still need a backup catcher. Navarro understandably wanted to go somewhere he could start and presumably he'll get that chance with the Blue Jays, with J.P. Arencibia having been a major disappointment there.
Navarro signing with Toronto makes sense for them from all kinds of reasons, but the move will no doubt fuel the rumors about Jeff Samardzija going north of the border as well.
Good luck in Toronto, Dioner and I'm glad you signed with an American League team so that the Cubs don't have to face you.