SAN DIEGO _ In search of candidates to serve as a backup catcher, the Cubs have reached out to the Mets to express interest in trading for Rene Rivera, a source confirmed on Tuesday. The Cubs' level of interest is unclear, as is whether the talks have gained any traction.
Rivera would be a fit for the Cubs, who could use a veteran behind starter Willson Contreras. The Post first reported the Cubs' potential interest.
Rivera, 33, is hitting .245 with six homers and 20 RBIs. He's known primarily for his defense, though for periods last season he supplanted Travis d'Arnaud as the starter.
Rivera is eligible for free agency after this season, making him the type of rental player that the Mets have expressed an interest in moving before Monday's nonwaiver trade deadline.
