According to Eric Treuden of the Jays Journal, the Cubs have signed catcher Joe Hudson to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league Spring Training.
Hudson, who turns 33 in May, has played in 18 major league games so far in his career. The 2018 Angels, 2019 Cardinals, and 2020 Mariners split those games. Despite being regarded as a solid defensive player, he only made 33 plate appearances and hit a combined.167/.219/.200.
In the minor leagues, his offence has improved; he has a hitting line at Triple-A that spans five distinct seasons at.230/.330/.398. This includes his minor league contract with the Braves from 2023, during which he played in 69 Triple-A games. This year, he walked in 16.2% of his plate appearances while striking out in 29% of them, for a slash line of.232/.371/.395 overall and a 99 wRC+.
With only Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya on the 40-man roster, the Cubs are a little weak at the catcher position. Gomes is about to enter his 36th season in the big leagues, whilst Amaya has only played in 53 games. This offseason, the Cubs also signed Jorge Alfaro to a minor league contract; Hudson and Alfaro will give the organisation some experienced depth off the roster.
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