After designating veteran catcher Yan Gomes for assignment this week, the Chicago Cubs wasted no time replacing Gomes. They signed catcher Tomas Nido to a major league contract. This move also comes after New York designated Nido for assignment after they activated Francisco Alvarez off the injured list after missing six weeks with a torn ligament in his thumb.
Cubs Sign Backup Catcher; Set To Debut Against Former Team
Nido saw playing time diminish with the Mets over the last several weeks. Thanks to the return of Alvarez. Along with the emergence of Luis Torrens. The Mets acquired Torrens from the Yankees. His debut for the Cubs at Wrigley Field is expected to occur this weekend. Where he will face off against the team he’s been with for over a decade.
What better way to start your tenure with your new team against the club that drafted you 12 years ago? Nido was the Mets eighth-round draft pick back in 2012. He will now have to go up against his former squad. He made his MLB debut back in 2017. Nido is perhaps known for his strong arm behind home plate and for never wearing batting gloves when he came up to bat.
Nido was also one of three finalists for the National League Gold Glove in 2022. His tenure with the Mets in the big leagues lasted nearly seven years, during which time he played in 96 games and started in 86 of them.
What will Nido bring to the Cubs?
Nido does not bring a huge bat on offense. He’s only had a career batting average of just .214. That includes 14 home runs in eight major league seasons. Chicago is hopeful that Nido can bring his strong arm and his ability to paint the corner to an already elite pitching staff, just like he did with the Mets. Nido will join a pitching staff that has the likes of Javier Assad, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and, of course, the exciting Japanese phenom, Shota Imanaga. During his tenure with the Mets Nido caught some elite pitchers. Players such as Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler, Kodai Senga, Noah Syndergaard, Max Scherzer. and Justin Verlander.
The bigger story of Nido signing with the Cubs is that his debut will likely come against his former team. While he did not have the tenure he envisioned in Flushing Queens, Nido will sure be looking forward to taking on the Mets this weekend.
Main Photo Credits: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
