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I’ll probably regret saying this because the last few times I have, things went at least a little wrong for the Cubs. Well, here it goes. If José Lobatón plays for the Cubs this year, then something went terribly bad.
On Tuesday, the Cubs added three pitchers to their 60-man player pool, as lefties Jack Patterson and Justin Steele along with righty Keegan Thompson were officially sent to South Bend.
Yet, missed in that set of moves was the addition of veteran catcher José Lobatón, who signed a minor league deal with the Cubs, according to the team’s transactions page.
Lobatón, 35, will also join the South Bend roster and is on the Cubs 60-man player pool.
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At first, second and third glance, it’s not a major move and again if Lobatón has to suit up for the Cubs this season then something bad happened. Right now the Cubs have a great catching tandem with Willson Contreras and Victor Caratini. Josh Phegley has looked pretty good in camp and appears to have locked up a roster spot to begin the regular season.
Remember, during the first two weeks of the season the rosters are expanded to 30 players. The Cubs have even more depth behind Phegley with PJ Higgins. Miguel Amaya is also available, but he’ll be strictly with the South Bend group to further his development during the regular season.
However, there is a scenario where Lobatón could potentially be an emergency option for the Cubs this year.
Brett Taylor from Bleacher Nation explains.
When you consider that Phegley is likely to make the Opening Day 30-man roster, is it possible that Lobaton is being brought in to be the catcher on the three-man taxi squad? You have to have an extra catcher traveling with you, and maybe the Cubs don’t want that guy to be Higgins or Amaya.
There’s the uncomfortable thought of not having Anthony Rizzo come Opening Day, as he continues to deal with his back issue that could have a ripple effect. Caratini would be a guy who would have to fill in at first base if Rizzo misses any time and again you have to travel with an extra catcher just in case…so welcome aboard José for that extra, extra, extra depth at catcher.
As for playing abilities, Lobatón is your prototypical, backup defensive catcher. His best season at the plate was in 2013, when he posted a .249/.320/.394 slash line with the Rays in 100 games. His OPS has been below .600 in four of the last five years in which Lobatón played in the majors.
In 2019, Lobatón spent the season in the minors for the Mariners and Dodgers.
Again, it’s more likely that the Cubs simply end up releasing Lobatón and replacing him on the 60-man player pool this season than him playing in a real game.
But if you’re running a taxi squad fantasy baseball league, Lobatón is now available!
