Alert! Cubs Unleash Seasoned Catcher With Mind-Blowing Experience at Spring Training

The Chicago Cubs are adding depth and competition to the catcher position in their upcoming Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona, with the signing of Joe Hudson. The veteran catcher, who has been in the Majors since 2020, recently inked a minor-league contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training.

As of now, the Cubs have two catchers on their 40-man roster: the returning veteran Yan Gomes and the young Miguel Amaya. Hudson, currently gaining at-bats with Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican Winter League, has been assigned to Triple-A Iowa.

In the 2023 season, Hudson played with Atlanta’s Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett, where he appeared in 69 games and posted a slash line of .232/.371/.395/.766 with nine home runs and 37 RBI. To secure a spot on the Cubs’ Opening Day roster, Hudson will need to enhance his performance at the plate, potentially compelling the team to consider a third catcher or a lineup adjustment.

At 36, Gomes remains a more proficient hitter than Hudson, boasting a nearly .270 average with 10 home runs in the previous season. As for Amaya, the 24-year-old hit .214 in 53 games. A strong spring performance by Hudson might influence the Cubs to send Amaya back to Triple-A.

Despite Hudson’s extensive minor league experience, playing in 678 games with 2,174 career at-bats, he has struggled to establish a lasting presence in the Majors. Having played only 18 MLB games since his debut in 2018 with the Los Angeles Angels, Hudson had stints with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2019 and the Seattle Mariners in 2020. After being released by Seattle, he joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021 and spent the season with their Triple-A affiliate in Indianapolis. In 2022, Hudson joined the Tampa Bay Rays and spent the season with Triple-A Durham. The Cubs may value his seasoned experience in the minor leagues, making him a valuable asset in certain situations.