Former Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto will return to play in Chicago but for the Windy City's American League team. WSCR 670 AM's baseball insider Bruce Levine has announced that the Chicago White Sox have signed Soto to a Minor League contract for 2015.
Former Cub catcher Geo. Soto signs minor league deal with Chicago White Sox
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) January 22, 2015
Soto was unable to find a job as a Major League catcher after suffering through an injury-plagued 2014 that saw him miss time for foot, knee, groin, and back problems. He began the season on the 60-day disabled list after undergoing surgery to repair the lateral meniscus in his right knee. He came off the DL on July 17 and played in only 28 games while splitting his time between the Texas Rangers (10 games) and Oakland Athletics (14 games). In all, he hit .250 with 1 HR and 11 RBI in 87 at bats.
After winning the 2008 National League Rookie of the Year and making the All-Star team as a Cub with a line of .285/.364/.504, 23 HR, and 86 RBI, he has had only one other season (2010) hitting above .250. Because of this record and his recent injury history, Soto will compete in Spring Training for only the backup catcher's role behind starter Tyler Flowers says NBC Sports' RotoWorld, citing Soto's defensive improvments as a basis for his signing. In 2014, Soto threw out 10 of 23 base runners (43%) who attempted to steal on him.