Source: Cubs ink Gimenez to Minors deal
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CHICAGO -- The Cubs may have found a backup catcher in Chris Gimenez.
A source confirmed reports that the Cubs have signed Gimenez, 35, to a Minor League deal with an invitation to big league Spring Training camp. The right-handed hitter played in 74 games last season with the Twins, batting .220 with seven home runs, nine doubles and 16 RBIs.
Willson Contreras, 25, is the Cubs' No. 1 catcher but his only backup was Victor Caratini, 24, who made his Major League debut last season and batted .254 in 31 games.
If Gimenez makes the team, Caratini would most likely open at Triple-A Iowa, where he could get more regular playing time.
Besides the Twins, Gimenez has played for the Indians, Mariners, Rays and Rangers. Not only is Gimenez able to catch, but he made six relief appearances totaling five innings for the Twins last season.
The Cubs did need another catcher, but they also may get free agent Yu Darvish's attention. When Gimenez was with the Rangers in 2014, he made 26 starts and caught Darvish 12 times.
The Cubs have yet to release a list of their non-roster invitees for Spring Training.