Cubs Minor League Signings: Chris Valaika, Taylor Teagarden, Andres Santiago, Jorge De Leon

Jan 11, 2015

In lieu of traditional Bullets this morning, let’s discuss the latest Chicago Cubs minor league signings …

Chris Valaika is coming back. The utility man who pitched in last year intermittently at the big league level returns to the organization on a minor league deal. Valaika, 29, hit .231/.282/.339 over 131 big league plate appearances last year, while playing each of the four infield positions. At Iowa, he hit .278/.344/.423 playing those same four positions, and also a little left field. The Cubs now have a variety of utility types at AAA, including Valaika, Logan Watkins, and Jonathan Herrera. Those are among the best types to accumulate on minor league deals at AAA because (1) it’s not like you’re getting superstars on minor league deals, so you might as well get versatile players; (2) you always seem to need a guy like this at the Major League level at some point during the year, so having multiple options is a good thing; and (3) being able to move these guys around can help to properly accommodate prospects as they move up to AAA (i.e., the prospect can play where the organization wants him to, and the AAA manager can comfortably move guys around to remain competitive – while that may not be the priority, all things equal, you do like to see your minor leagues playing for winning teams).

Although it hasn’t yet been confirmed by the team, BA reports that the Cubs have also signed catcher Taylor Teagarden to a minor league deal. Teagarden, 31, was a long-time Rangers prospect and back-up before he started bouncing around teams in recent years. I’ve been waiting for the Cubs to sign the obligatory veteran-catcher-minor-league-deal-depth-at-AAA guy, and Teagarden looks to be a pretty darn good one. As you’d expect from this kind of signing, Teagarden, a righty, is not going to give you anything with the bat. In small samples (but 495 PAs total), his wRC+ in his big league stops dating back to 2009: 60, 57, 51, 44, 22, 30. But what he does give you is excellent defense (he rates solidly above average defensively in his career at the big league level, and he was consistently rated the top defensive catcher in the Rangers’ system back in his prospect days). He also appears to be an average to above average pitch-framer. He’s probably something shy of excellent in that category, but, given recent trends, were he excellent, he’s probably not available on a minor league deal.

Having someone like Teagarden is probably especially important to the Cubs, given that the two primary catchers at the big league level are a guy who has had some injury issues in recent years (Montero) and a guy who’s in his late-30s (Ross), and given that the only other available catcher is largely untested in the big leagues (Lopez). It’s also good to have a vet like him at AAA working not only with Lopez, but also with the pitching staff there.

BA also reports the signing of 27-year-old righty Jorge De Leon, who emerged as a very effective AAA reliever for the Astros in recent years (though his cups in the big leagues haven’t gone as well). He’s a fastball-slider guy with mid-90s heat, so, hey, why not grab him for the AAA pen if you can? De Leon is currently pitching in the DWL with a great ERA, but so-so peripherals (only 8.1 innings). He may or may not get a non-roster invite to big league Spring Training. Like Teagarden, De Leon’s deal has not been confirmed by the Cubs just yet.

And the Cubs grabbed another minor league arm in righty Andres Santiago, who was in the Dodgers’ organization. The 25-year-old Puerto Rican is currently pitching in the Puerto Rican Winter League, where he’s put up a decent showing. He topped out at AA in the Dodgers’ organization, and started all along the way. In his second full year at AA, Santiago posted a 4.47 ERA over 129 innings, striking out 98 and walking 53. He rocketed onto the prospect radar back in 2012, with a breakout year and an appearance in the Arizona Fall League (on the Solar Sox, where he would have played with some Cubs prospects). Since then, he stagnated a bit, which is how you wind up getting him on a minor league deal. He figures to get a shot at AA to show he’s ready to move up to AAA (if there’s a spot). On the plus side, despite the meh 2014 overall, it sounds like he was pitching his best ball of the season late in the year when he no-hit the Tennessee Smokies.

Non-minor-league-deal plug: all BN shirts are on sale right now (15% off if you use the HEART15 code when checking out), and there are a bunch of new ones. The shop has a new look, too. Check it out, look fancy.

written by

Brett Taylor

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Paul Skenes Could Make His MLB Debut Any Day (But Probably Won’t), Red-Hot Orioles, Houck’s Maddux, More

If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Back to Wrigley: Cubs vs Marlins – Series Preview

Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Taillon Coming Back, Busch’s Integrity and Success, Bad News for the White Sox, Wicks, Hendricks, and Other Cubs Bullets

As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 18, 2024: Caissie, Alcántara Go Yard, South Bend and Myrtle Beach Smoked, More

Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cody Bellinger Sticking With Scott Boras

Given the way the offseason played out for super agent Scott Boras's top available clients - Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, and Jordan Montgomery - you wouldn't be shocked to see some unhappiness behind the scenes. Did Boras overplay...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

You’ll Be Even More Impressed with Hayden Wesneski, When You Hear What it Took to Get Him to Arizona

Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Offseason Cubs Target Robert Stephenson Now Out for the Year

Hand up, I really wanted the Cubs to sign reliever Robert Stephenson this offseason. I felt like they could use one more impact arm (accurate), and I felt like Stephenson was one of the best available (about that ... )....

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Rays Closer Pete Fairbanks With a Wonderful and Brutally Honest Line About His Performance

Rays closer Pete Fairbanks has been an extremely effective reliever the last four years, posting a 2.66 ERA from 2020 through 2023, with a 34.8% K rate and worth 4.1 WAR. But things have started out much more rough for...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Mariners vs. Rockies: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Seattle Mariners (9-10), who will give the ball to Emerson Hancock, visit the Colorado Rockies (4-15) with Dakota Hudson on the hill, Friday at 8:40 PM ET.Find out how to watch the Seattle-Colorado matchup below.When is Mariners vs. Rockies...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers 3-Round Mock Draft: Exploring Potential Picks Along The Offensive Line

Pittsburgh Steelers 3-Round Mock Draft - The decision is far from easy. On the one hand, a strong offensive line is the bedrock of any successful team, and the long-term benefits are undeniable. On the other hand, a game-changing offensive weapon could breathe...

Ryan Noonan

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Twins vs. Tigers: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

In a series opener on Friday, Ryan Jeffers and the Minnesota Twins (6-11) play Riley Greene and the Detroit Tigers (10-9), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET at Target Field.The article below will provide you with everything you...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Orioles vs. Royals: Live Stream or on TV

The Baltimore Orioles (12-6), with Dean Kremer on the mound, visit the Kansas City Royals (12-7) who will hand the ball to Alec Marsh, at 7:40 PM ET on Friday in a series opener.See how to watch the Baltimore-Kansas City...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Brewers vs. Cardinals: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Friday, William Contreras and the Milwaukee Brewers (11-6) begin a series against Brendan Donovan and the St. Louis Cardinals (9-10) at Busch Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 8:15 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Pacers vs. Bucks Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Sunday, April 21, 2024

The Indiana Pacers are slight 1-point favorites heading into Game 1 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Sunday, starting at 7:00 PM ET on TNT. The matchup's over/under is set...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Mavericks vs. Clippers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Sunday, April 21, 2024

The Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers meet to start the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Mavericks are favored by 1.5 points in the contest, which will be broadcast on ABC at 3:30 PM ET. The matchup...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Knicks vs. 76ers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Saturday, April 20, 2024

The New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers take the court to start the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Knicks are favored by 3 points in the matchup, which will be broadcast on ESPN at 6:00 PM ET....

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Heat vs. Bulls Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Chicago Bulls are slight 1.5-point underdogs heading into Game 1 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on Friday, tipping off at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN. The matchup's over/under is...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Phillies vs. White Sox: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Philadelphia Phillies (11-8), led by Trea Turner, host Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (3-15) at 6:40 PM ET on Friday in a series opener.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for TV and streaming options...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Cubs Minor League Signings: Chris Valaika, Taylor Teagarden, Andres Santiago, Jorge De Leon

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular