NY Times · Aug 19, 2017
Rene Rivera Goes to Cubs, Joining a Mets Exodus
Catcher Rene Rivera after a home run for the Mets in a game against the Yankees on Wednesday.Less than 12 hours after the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Curtis Granderson in a trade with the Mets, the Chicago Cubs claimed one of Granderson’s former teammates, Rene Rivera, off waivers before Saturday’s game at Citi Field.
In two seasons with the Mets, Rivera had significant value as a reserve. Known for his defensive acumen, he became the preferred catcher for Noah Syndergaard. Rivera hit .226 with 14 home runs in 199 games with the Mets.