D-backs in talks with Cubs about Montero
Arizona reportedly to receive pitching prospects
SAN DIEGO -- It appears that Miguel Montero could be on the move.
A baseball source confirmed that the D-backs and Cubs were discussing a deal involving Montero and FoxSports.com reported that the two sides were getting closer and that the D-backs would receive pitching prospects in the deal. USA Today reported that a deal is expected to be completed today.
Earlier in the day, D-backs chief baseball officer Tony La Russa denied that the team had agreed to a deal with the Dodgers involving Montero only to have it rejected by Arizona ownership.
Montero batted .243 in 136 games last season, hitting 13 home runs and driving in 72 runs.
The 31-year-old is owed $40 million over the next three years and by moving him, the D-backs could provide the team with flexibility to add either another starting pitcher or another bat for the lineup.
Moving Montero would leave the D-backs with backup Tuffy Gosewisch, an excellent defender who hit .225 last year.