Chicago Cubs: Best deadline trades during the Theo Epstein regime

Cubs capitalize on Bonifacio

In 2014, the Cubs signed Emilio Bonifacio hoping he could hold things together during the rebuild. And then he became part of it. After having a solid first half, the Cubs packaged him up with reliever James Russell and sent them to Atlanta. In return, they got a young catcher by the name of Victor Caratini.

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Caratini just recently made his debut and hit a game-winning home run against the Milwaukee Brewers. The move might be short lived as with the addition of Alex Avila, Caratini might quiet down to Triple-A Iowa. But he’s gained some valuable experience in his time in Chicago, and we may see him again soon when the Cubs make their September call-ups.

The Cubs saw the writing on the wall with Russell and chose to part ways with him. He would return to the Cubs in 2015 for 49 games (0-2, 5.29 ERA), but that would be it for his time in Chicago. Russell last pitched for the Phillies in 2016.