Cubs add to catch depth, sign Navarro

The Chicago Cubs have signed catcher Dioner Navarro to a one-year, $1.75 million contract, according to CBSSports.com

Navarro, 28, is a .245 career hitter in nine major-league seasons with 41 homers and 209 RBIs. He was selected to the 2008 All-Star Game as member of the Tampa Bay Rays.

He is expected to compete for the starting catching job. The other catchers on the major league roster are Wellington Castillo and Steve Clevenger, who have each caught less than 70 games apiece in the majors.

Cubs president Theo Epstein strongly indicated that the team would sign a veteran catcher to push Castillo in spring training and beyond. Navarro split time this past season between the Cincinnati Reds and Class AAA Louisville. He also has seen major league time with the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Rays.

Castillo and Steve Clevenger shared the catching duties over the final two months of 2012 after the trade of Geovany Soto to Texas.