Chicago Cubs: Missing out on Rene Rivera hints at team’s backup catcher plans

So what does it mean that Rivera signed a one-year deal for only $2.8 million? I tend to think the Cubs front office is not looking for a catcher like him. If they wanted someone like Rivera, I believe they either would have gotten him. Or we at least would have heard some rumors about the Cubs pursuing him.

The complete lack of rumors about the other intriguing free agent catchers also leads me to suspect that either the Cubs are not that interested in those possibilities or they are waiting very patiently in hopes of getting a bargain.

Next: Is Cubs' pen set to improve this season?

Although there are some other interesting veteran catchers available, I think the Cubs plan A for a backup catcher is either Avila or Caratini. If its Avila, that gives the Cubs a veteran in the clubhouse. He’s a catcher with a strong arm and a dangerous left-handed bat coming off the bench.  If its Caratini, that gives the Cubs a switch hitter looking to establish himself at the major league level and if he does he would be another young player to add to their core for years to come.