Chicago Cubs sign Eli Whiteside, Jeudy Valdez to Minor League deals

It was announced on Twitter that the Chicago Cubs have picked up both catcher Eli Whiteside and Jeudy Valdez yesterday.

With Dioner Navarro searching for big time money and starting job elsewhere, the Cubs are looking for someone who can back up Welington Castillo. Not sure if Whiteside will be able to provide the offense Navarro was able to, but him making the Major League roster isn’t a sure thing.

There’s a possibility that the Cubs could bring in free agent catcher Kurt Suzuki whose option wasn’t picked up by the Oakland Athletics. Suzuki would make the Opening Day roster if that were the case.

The second guy they picked up was infielder Jeudy Valdez. Valdez did pretty well at the Double-A level last season. The 24 year old infielder hit .251/.300/.406 with 10 home runs and 49 RBI’s in 125 games.

Valdez spent time with  the San Diego Padres organization. Who happens to be the Cubs new manager? Rick Renteria.

Both guys have a shot at making the Major League roster but will provide this organization with some depth if they’re unable to crack the opening day roster. Valdez could possibly see some time at either third base or second base depending on things are looking.