The Cubs, have weeks of rumors circulating about their desire to add a veteran backstop, have finally landed on the Marlins’ defensive catcher AJ Ellis, according to a source.
According to a source, the #Cubs main target for back up catcher is Aj Ellis
— Sean Sears (@sean_sears6) July 29, 2017
Ellis, as mentioned before, has made a name for himself as a defensive-minded catcher and profiles well behind current Cubs starter Willson Contreras. The 36-year-old veteran has been solid behind the plate, in his 27 games for Miami, he has a 43% caught stealing rate only allowing four stolen bases. And according to Fangraphs’ DRS, he has saved the Marlins two runs so far this season.
His offensive game, while lacking, isn’t terrible either. Currently slashing .232/.300/.341, which is essentially what David Ross was hitting last year without the pop, Ross hit 10 home runs and drove in 32. So, while his bat isn’t going to add much to the Cubs lineup, his defense plus his experience handling an elite pitching staff like he did while he was in LA, make him an attractive backup option.
Ellis is also on a modest deal worth $2.5 million and is a free agent after this season, so the Cubs won’t have to commit to him long-term and could possible get him for a much cheaper price than the Tigers Alex Avila or Rangers Jonathan Lucroy would cost.
