Given his stature as a lesser international target, there probably isn’t much to be bummed about with the Chicago Cubs missing out on Cuban catcher Yenier Bello, who has agreed to terms with the Braves, according to Jesse Sanchez.
The Cubs were reportedly among the teams interested in Bello, 29, who has had a mixed track record in Cuba, and hasn’t played in a couple years. Obviously the Cubs’ lack of upper level catching talent (or even realistic depth) is well-known at this point, so they were going to consider any and all available catchers. Either they didn’t like Bello quite enough, or he preferred his chances with the Braves.
A number of interesting Cuban defectors remain on the market, including infielder Aledmys Diaz, outfielder/infielder Rusney Castillo, and pitchers Odrisamer Despaigne and Raicel Iglesias.