According to multiple reports, the Cubs signed Dioner Navarro to a one-year contract worth $1.75 million. Navarro is expected to back-up Welington Castillo next season.
Navarro spent last season in the Reds’ system with a majority of the year spent at the Triple-A level. In 24 games with the Reds, Navarro put together a .290/.306/.449/.755 line with three double and two home runs. The Cubs are expected to announce the signing late Thursday.
Dioner Navarro reportedly inked a Major League contract and with the addition of Navarro, the Cubs 40-man roster stands at 38 players. The 28-year old catcher (February 9, 1884) had a breakout season in 2008 with Matt Garza and the Rays. Dioner Navarro finished the year with a .295/.349/.407/.757 line in 120 games with 19 doubles and nine home runs. Navarro has not been able to repeat his 2008 season and after a failed year with the Dodgers in 2011, Navarro had to sign a minor league contract with the Reds to remain in the game.
Dioner Navarro’s Page on Baseball-Reference
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