Apparently, the Cubs had seen enough out of P.J. Higgins at Triple-A Iowa, and out of Tony Wolters in MLB, to make the switch: the long-time Cubs farmhand is coming on up to be the new back-up catcher.
Today the Cubs called up Higgins, and designated Wolters for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. That means Higgins, who can also play around the infield, is now the true back-up catcher. Higgins, 28, was hitting .333/.458/.513 at Iowa, basically the best slash line in the entire farm system. There were questions if he could pick right back up where he left off after the shutdown, but it sure seems like he has (and then some). That is to say, the questions about his bat have been less about it being MLB-caliber (for a reserve, I mean), and more about the timing. And, from there, the much bigger questions were about his glove being ready to handle MLB pitchers – he was a converted catcher in 2016 at A-ball, basically getting part-time duty from there on up the ladder.
It’s pretty fun and exciting to see a guy who has worked his way up since 2015 get a shot on the big league team, and Higgins does have a chance to stick as a really nice bench player for years to come, whether as a true back-up or something like a utility third catcher. Heck, he could get a shot in the latter role later this year whenever Austin Romine is ready to return from his wrist injury.
Bryan JUST WROTE this morning about wanting Higgins to get this call soon, and I bet he’s pretty happy. With the day game tomorrow after a night game, I expect we’ll see Higgins starting tomorrow.
As for Wolters, the Cubs have seven days to trade, release, or waive him.