D-backs get Mejia, Godley in Montero deal

The Cubs got the catching help they wanted, but it may take years before we can tell if they gave up too much to get it.

In a deal that sent veteran backstop Miguel Montero to the north side of Chicago, the D-backs acquired right-handed pitching prospects Jeferson Mejia and Zack Godley, according to tweets by 670Sports.com's Bruce Levine and the Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro.

While Montero is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the deal, Mejia is the more notable prospect headed to Arizona. The 20-year-old right-hander, who was signed for $850,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2013, was ranked as the Cubs' No. 17 prospect at the time of the trade on the strength of his 6-foot-7 frame and 65-grade fastball, which can touch 97 mph according to MLB.com. He made his stateside debut this summer in the Rookie-level Arizona League, where he posted a 2.48 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 17 walks in 40 innings. He made 12 appearances at the level, two of which were starts.

Besides his heater, Mejia also possesses a curveball and a changeup, though both offerings lack consistency. Given his inexperience, he's likely ticketed to start 2015 at extended spring training with an assignment to Class A Short Season Hillsboro or Rookie-level Missoula not far behind.

By comparison, Godley was on many lists of top Cubs prospects but has pitched well since the Cubs took him in the 10th round out of the University of Tennessee in 2013. The 24-year-old right-hander posted a 3.09 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, .232 average-against and remarkable 12.5 K/9 with 15 saves across 40 appearances (55 1/3 innings) between Class A Kane County and Class A Advanced Daytona this summer. After spending most of the season in the Florida State League, he'll likely try to carry those strong strikeout numbers to Double-A Mobile in 2015.

Montero is likely to work as part of a platoon behind the plate with new Cubs teammate Welington Castillo in Chicago. The 31-year-old left-handed hitter had a .243/.329/.370 line with 13 homers and 40 RBIs in 136 games with Arizona last season. He threw out 29 percent of would-be basestealers and is known as one of the best pitch framers in the game. He is owed $40 million over the next three seasons.