Chicago Cubs News: P.J. Higgins outrighted, Dom Nunez signed, and more
![Sep 23, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Zack Collins (right) tags](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3624,h_2038,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/9/01gp644ewkk8rbnwawhx.jpg)
The Chicago Cubs had a resolution on the status of catcher P.J. Higgins on Friday. Higgins was designated for assignment by the Cubs after the signing of veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart and the team announced on Friday that the 29-year-old catcher has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Iowa.
Cubs roster moves:
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) January 6, 2023
• PJ Higgins was outrighted to Triple-A Iowa after clearing waivers.
• Alfonso Rivas was granted his unconditional release.
• Brad Wieck signed a two-year, minor-league deal.
• Dom Nunez signed a minor-league deal with an invite to major-league camp.
In 229 plate appearances with the Cubs in 2022, Higgins slashed .229/.310/.383 with a .306 wOBA and 97 wRC+. Of the 74 games that Higgins had at the Major League level last season, Higgins only saw 34 games where he served as the team's catcher. Higgins also served as a first base and third base option for manager David Ross last season.
The Cubs were thin at the catcher position in Triple-A Iowa. Higgins likely will receive regular playing time with the Iowa Cubs to begin the 2023 season and he likely will be the catcher the Cubs call on if an injury occurs to either Barnhart or Yan Gomes.
Dom Nuñez adds minor-league catching depth for Chicago Cubs
The Cubs added even more catching depth to their minor-league system as Dom Nuñez signed a minor-league deal with the team. Nuñez is a glove-first catcher as he has a career slash line of .180/.280/.373 with a .279 wOBA and 58 wRC+.
Los Angeles Dodgers DFA Trevor Bauer
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 7, 2023
The question is bound to come up in regard to whether or not the Chicago Cubs should take a look at Trevor Bauer and the answer is no. For a Cubs' front office that has placed an emphasis on clubhouse culture, Bauer is not a fit for this team. We shared our previous thoughts on Bauer in a story we had in December.
Looking back to when Wrigley Field added some familiar features
Wrigley Field gets ivy for the first time and a new scoreboard you might recognize, 1937. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/VeiyEBePNg
— MLB Cathedrals ⚾️ (@MLBcathedrals) January 6, 2023
Kerry Wood's fastball remains a thing of beauty
Kerry Wood, Fastball (home plate view) pic.twitter.com/moGyCnKIWF
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) January 6, 2023
Chicago White Sox add a former Chicago Cubs' outfielder
The Chicago White Sox are signing outfielder Jake Marisnick to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.
— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) January 6, 2023
Marisnick spent time with the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022.
Chicago Cubs catcher Tucker Barnhart featured at an Indiana Pacers' game.
Indiana's own and @Cubs catcher @Tucker_Barnhart Revved Up the crowd tonight.🔥 pic.twitter.com/DveFzX6cIL
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 7, 2023