Report: Diamondbacks still in talks to move catcher Miguel Montero
Dec 9, 2014, 3:05 AM | Updated: 3:21 pm
Although a deal fell through with the Los Angeles Dodgers last week, the Arizona Diamondbacks reportedly aren’t done looking for a new home for catcher Miguel Montero.
Fox Sports’ Jon Morosi and Ken Rosenthal report Arizona is in discussions with the Chicago Cubs to move the long-time Diamondbacks catcher.
#Cubs, #DBacks discussing trade that would send Miguel Montero to Chicago, sources tell @Ken_Rosenthal and me. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 9, 2014
Sources: #DBacks would receive pitching prospects from #Cubs for Montero.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 9, 2014
Rosenthal earlier noted that the two teams have been engaged in discussions “for weeks.”
Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com believe the Cubs would pick up all of Montero’s contract while not giving the Diamondbacks any big league-ready talent.
#Cubs would be taking on the three years and $40 million left on Miguel Montero's contract in potential deal with #Diamondbacks.
— Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) December 9, 2014
In a Miguel Montero deal, source says #Cubs wouldn't be moving pieces from 40-man roster or trading talent that's close to big-league ready.
— Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) December 9, 2014
These reports come after a deal for Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier fell apart last weekend. One report said Diamondbacks upper management nixed the deal because of being uncomfortable with dealing to a division rival. Chief baseball officer Tony La Russa said that was not the case Monday.
Montero was a late addition to the 2014 MLB All-Star Game, but he faded down the stretch last season. He finished the year with a .243 average, 13 home runs and 72 RBI in 136 games. He has spent his entire Major League career in Arizona after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2001.
The 31-year-old Venezuelan is a career .264 hitter and a two-time All-Star. He is just three home runs shy of 100 for his career. The veteran has three years left on his contract, and is owed $40 million over that span.
