Miguel Montero could be next on Cubs’ list with Martin gone

After Russell Martin spurned the Cubs by signing with the Toronto Blue Jays Monday, the market for catchers becomes even slimmer. Martin was undoubtedly the top catcher available, and the Cubs were reportedly leaders to sign him, but Toronto’s 5-year, $82-million offer lured him north of the border. The Cubs are still looking to upgrade at catcher after Welington Castillo’s batting average dipped from .274 in 2013 to .237 in 2014.

One name that has been the subject of rumors is Arizona Diamondbacks’ catcher Miguel Montero. Montero, a two-time all-star, has not lived up to his five-year, $60-million extension signed in May 2012. In the past two seasons, he has hit .230 and .243 respectively, down from .286 in 2012. Even though his numbers are down, the left-handed hitting 31-year-old could use his experience to guide a young pitching staff and be a leader in the clubhouse.

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The Diamondbacks are reportedly listening to offers and GM Dave Stewart has said that they would need to receive a starting pitcher who would better their rotation, which could be a problem for the Cubs considering their lack of starting pitching depth.

The free agent market has been left extremely thin after the signing of Martin, leaving the Cubs with some less than ideal options.

An intriguing player the Cubs could look at is Ryan Doumit. The 31-year-old has bounced around the league in recent years with stops in Pittsburgh, Minnesota and Atlanta. Although he only hit .197 last season, he has had strong years in the past and can be valuable as a switch hitter near the bottom of the order. For a cheap price, he may be worth a shot.

John Buck is a player who can provide some veteran leadership to the clubhouse. Buck has posted numbers similar to Castillo’s last season, but he may not be the upgrade the Cubs are looking for at the position.

There’s no doubt they will sign a catcher this offseason because the playoff-seeking Cubs can’t move on with just Castillo on the roster. Adding some depth, whomever it may be, will provide competition this upcoming spring.