The Reds announced Monday that they’ve signed catcher/infielder P.J. Higgins to a minor league contract. The Bledsoe Agency client will receive an invitation to big league camp in spring training.
Higgins, 30, logged Major League time with the Cubs in 2021-22, batting a combined .210/.291/.348 with six home runs, 11 doubles and a triple in 254 trips to the plate. Modest as that production may be, Higgins has spent parts of four seasons at the Triple-A level and clobbered opposing pitchers at that level, posting a .318/.401/.499 slash in 672 overall plate appearances.
Beyond the production at the plate in the upper minors, Higgins has some quiet versatility that could help him eventually win a spot on Cincinnati’s bench. He’s primarily been a catcher in his professional career, but the Cubs have also given him 867 career innings at first base, 584 innings at third base, 93 innings at second base and even 37 frames at shortstop. If he can ultimately deliver anything within a stone’s throw of league-average production at the plate, he could make for an interesting bench player — particularly for a Reds club that carried three catchers for much of the 2023 season (Tyler Stephenson, Luke Maile, Curt Casali).
As things stand, Stephenson and the recently re-signed Maile figure to handle considerable work behind the plate. That said, Stephenson was more productive at the plate when he was playing first base or serving as a designated hitter than when he was catching — and his glovework behind the dish also graded out quite poorly. It wouldn’t be all that surprising if the Reds again opt for three catchers, with Stephenson spending ample time at first and DH. Higgins could potentially factor into that equation if he impresses next spring. He hasn’t drawn particularly strong defensive grades in limited action in the majors, though Baseball America touted him as at least an average defender at catcher before his MLB debut.
All the hype around the off season and absolutely nothing has happened, tips and tricks on how owners can burn off fans.
It’s like waiting to open presents on Christmas morning.
First time baseball fan? This ain’t the NFL, nothing much happens until the owner meetings
Craig Counsell to the Cubs is a pretty big start for an offseason.
These are the types of moves to expect from Po Boy. It hasn’t changed in two years, so don’t expect it to now.
And these are the types of comments to expect from Mere Adolescent Boy. No, it hasn’t changed in two years, so we don’t expect you to stop beating the dead horse as you continue to beat that horse/drum in just about every comment you make.
Maybe it hasn’t changed because TOBTTR is right once again.
Guess again
He’s a minor league depth piece and nothing more. If this guys is seeing Major league time something bad has happened and the Reds are doomed.
He won’t have to travel far since he’s been playing for the bengals
I prefer B.D. Higgins
Someone get some aloe because the stove is HOT!
I’m surprised Higgins left again. I think he would have been a good mentor for Aliendo and Opitz next year. I bet there’s even a minor league manager future in it for him with the Cubs someday. Oh well, Cubs need to find another 3rd C again.
Nick Krall: We would like to P.J. Higgins
Bob Castellini: here is $62,000, make sure you bring me back the change.
Why do people think Stephenson can play first he is a stiff and slow on the bases looks like a cartoon steam shovel,and he is like a bull fighter behind the plate