Chicago Cubs talked Miguel Montero with Diamondbacks

With the Cubs missing out on free agent veteran catcher Russell Martin to the Toronto Blue Jays just a few days ago, it appears that they have turned their attention to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Miguel Montero.

According to AZ Central’s Nick Piecoro, the Cubs and several other teams have reached out to the Diamondbacks’ front office regarding Montero’s services but that’s about it for now. Montero, 31, finished the 2014 campaign with 13 home runs, 72 RBI, 119 hits, 23 doubles, 56 walks and 97 strikeouts on a batting line of .243/.329/.370. Those stats may not be eye-popping numbers, but it was a huge improvement compared to his 2013 season where he only played 20 games fewer.

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It was reported at the beginning of the month by Ken Rosenthal that the Dbacks were in listening mode but would move the 31-year-old for the right price.

Each one of his offensive stats have seen improvement – including his strikeout totals. In 2013, Montero struck out 110 times (career-high 130 in 2012), while only managing to draw 51 walks. Despite improving inside the batters box, his fielding percentage took a little bit of a hit as his .994 from a year ago dropped to .988 in 2014.

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Back in 2012, Montero and the Diamondbacks were able to agree on a five-year contract worth up to $60 million through the 2017 season. As of right now, he’s owed about $40 million over the next couple years but could definitely be worth it in the long run. No his numbers don’t necessarily shout that price tag, so those interested in his services could be hesitant to pull the trigger on a deal – despite his upside.

He’s scheduled to pick up $12 million in 2015 – and another $14 million in both 2016 and 2017. Adding Montero in the mix with primary catcher Welington Castillo would definitely give this team the same one-two punch they were hoping to pick up with Martin. Not to mention that he led all catchers in pitching frames this year which is an obvious plus.

The only downfall about becoming a trade partner with the Diamondbacks is that they’re currently interested in acquiring the same thing this front-office has been hoping for – pitching. Chicago just purchased the contract one of their top pitching prospects in C.J. Edwards, adding him to the 40-man roster.

The chances of the Cubs trading Edwards are slim, so guys such as Pierce Johnson, Corey Black, Jen-Ho Tseng, Paul Blackburn, and even Tsuyoshi Wada or Travis Wood could become trade bait in a potential deal.

With the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the mix, things could heat up within the next month.