The Chicago Cubs All-Time rookie team

Former Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto (18) – Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Catcher: Geovany Soto (2008)

Geovany Soto was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 2001 MLB Draft.  In 2007,  when major league rosters expanded in September – Soto was called up after having a big year in the minor leagues.

He was named the Pacific Coast MVP with the Iowa Cubs posting a stat line of a .353 average, 26 home runs and 109 runs batted in.

With his call-up to the Cubs – he would bat an impressive .389 in 60 plate appearances while hitting three home runs and eight runs batted in.  With that, he would earn himself a spot on the Cubs post-season roster.

His only hit in the playoff series was a two-run homer in the second game of the series – but he made enough of an impression to the front office that he was going to be a keeper for the Cubs.

Soto started the 2008 season as the Opening Day catcher for the Cubs.  Soto would have many highlights in his rookie season.  Being named Rookie of the Month in April – starting out his rookie campaign batting .341 with five home runs, 20 runs batted in and an OPS. of 1.059.

He would win that honor again in August as well posting a line of .355 average, three home runs and 15 runs batted in.

He was also named the starting catcher for the National League All-Star team – the first NL rookie catcher to ever start an All-Star game.

Two of the most notable achievements that season was being the first Cubs catcher in 36 years to catch a no-hitter when Carlos Zambrano threw a no-hitter against the Houston Astros.  Finally, Soto would win the NL Rookie of the Year award.  Unfortunately, that would be Soto’s best year as a Cub.

Next: At first base