BREAKING: Chicago Cubs acquire catcher George Kottaras from Royals

The Chicago Cubs have acquired catcher George Kottaras from the Kansas City Royals for cash considerations, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Kottaras had been designated for assignment last week.

Aug 13, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher George Kottaras (26) returns to home plate after tagging a batter out on a dropped third strike in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kottaras, 30, hit .180/.349/.370 in 126 plate appearances for the Royals in 2013. Kottaras’ career 14 percent walk rate and .192 isolated power mark showcase his plate discipline and power. He struck out in 33.3 percent of his plate appearances in 2013, however, and has whiffed at nearly a 23 percent clip throughout his career.

Kottaras was originally drafted by the Padres in the 20th round of the 2002 amateur draft and spent four seasons in their farm system before being traded to the Boston Red Sox for David Wells.

He played the entire 2007 season at Triple-A Pawtucket and made his Major League debut on Sept. 13, 2008 following Pawtucket’s exit from the playoffs. With Boston he served as knuckleballer Tim Wakefield‘s personal catcher.

The Milwaukee Brewers claimed him off waivers and he spent the 2011 season with the club, he became only the 7th Brewer to hit for the cycle on Sept. 3 against the Houston Astros. He was then traded to the Oakland Athletics where he played until being claimed off waivers by the Royals last January.

Unless the Cubs make another acquisition for a catcher Kottaras is likely to be the Cubs’ backup catcher on Opening day in Pittsburgh.

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