Cubs trade catcher Welington Castillo to Seattle for right-handed reliever

The Cubs have traded backup catcher Welington Castillo to the Seattle Mariners for right-handed pitcher Yoervis Medina.

Medina, 26, has posted a 2.82 ERA in 141 appearances out of the Mariners bullpen the last three seasons. He has struck out 140 batters in 137 innings while limiting opponents to a .216 batting average, including a .228 mark vs. right-handed hitters and a .198 mark vs. lefthanders.

He will report to Triple-A Iowa.

The Cubs have been carrying three catchers this season: starter Miguel Montero and backups Castillo and David Ross. The 28-year-old Castillo, who hit 13 home runs in 110 games last year, has been trade bait since the Cubs acquired Montero during the offseason.

Castillo has posted a .163/.234/.349 slash line in 47 plate appearances. He’s appeared in 24 games this season.

It is not yet known what the Cubs have received in return for Castillo, but an announcement is expected today.

The trade was first reported by Yahoo Sports.

This story will be updated.