Chicago Cubs Rumors: Mets’ Rivera could be a low-risk option

There are enough rumors to make your head spin. So why not have another? The Chicago Cubs have contacted the New York Mets about Rene Rivera. A free agent at the end of this season, he could be another viable option for the Cubs down the stretch.

The Chicago Cubs know how valuable a veteran catcher would be to have down the stretch. Last year they did it with three catchers on the roster. Two of those were veterans in David Ross and Miguel Montero. Now last year’s rookie–Willson Contreras–is the veteran of the staff. One possibility is Rene Rivera of the New York Mets.

The almost 34-year old backstop is with his fifth team and could be a player the Cubs could look to get for a low-level prospect as he’s a free agent at the end of this season. Rivera has posted a slash of .245/.291/.395 with six home runs and 20 RBI in 46 games. While his numbers haven’t been stellar at the plate, he has a quality arm and is well above the league average with caught stealing (38%).

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The Cubs have looked into Alex Avila, but that could be a more difficult deal to make. The Detroit Tigers might look to stick Justin Verlander in on the deal with the Cubs, and that comes with a lot of money changing hands–as well as prospects.

Getting Rivera might not cost the Cubs much more than low-to-mid level prospects. For a journeyman catcher who will hit free agency this offseason, he would allow the Cubs the veteran leadership they’re looking for without the high cost.

The Cubs will continue to be on the lookout for possibilities behind the plate as well as in the bullpen. But the team seems to feel that this team is beginning to gel, and adding a player isn’t necessary. But if something should happen to Contreras or Victor Caratini the team would benefit by having a guy with big league experience.

With six days left until the non-waiver deadline, plenty can still happen. While it may be exciting to add a piece to the roster? This could be the team that you see the Cubs run with the rest of the season.