The Cubs are close to a minor league deal with catcher Jason Jaramillo, MLBTR has learned. The Pirates designated Jaramillo for assignment upon signing Erik Bedard this month, non-tendering him a few days later.
Jaramillo, 29, has accumulated 366 big league plate appearances over the last three seasons with the Pirates, hitting .235/.293/.327. A former second-round pick of the Phillies, Jaramillo missed much of this season with an elbow injury. The switch-hitter will be a candidate for the Cubs' backup catcher job behind Geovany Soto, a role filled by Koyie Hill the last several years. Jaramillo is a native of Wisconsin.
