Cubs, Twins Swap Backup Catchers

The Cubs are shoring up their fringes of their roster as they approach the postseason. On Thursday, they upgraded their backup catching situation, acquiring Bobby Wilson from the Twins in exchange for Chris Gimenez and a player to be named later.

Wilson, the Cubs’ new backup catcher, is a better pitch-framer than Gimenez, who was effectively serving as the Cubs’ third catcher and was down in Triple-A Iowa at the time of the trade.

Wilson is currently on the disabled list and is eligible to be activated on Sept. 4.

CUBS ACQUIRE:

Bobby Wilson, C
Age: 35

Wilson has long been regarded as one of the better receivers behind the plate, and he calls games and handles pitching staffs well. He’s thrown out 30 percent of runners this season, just above the league average of 29 percent, and generally grades out as an above-average to plus defender across the board. Wilson is extraordinarily light with the bat—he’s hit .178 with two home runs this year—and is strictly a backup. His presence will allow the Cubs to play current backup Victor Caratini more at first base, where he is stronger, and gives the Cubs a reliable defender behind the plate when Willson Contreras needs a day off.

TWINS ACQUIRE:

Chris Gimenez, C
Age: 35

Gimenez played for the Twins last year and now returns to their organization. Like Wilson, he is known for his defense and is a solid pitch-framer, although not as good as Wilson. He’s a career .216 hitter. Gimenez has played only 12 games in the majors this year and will report to Triple-A Rochester.