Tomas Nido won’t have to wait long to see the Mets.
Nido, whom the Mets recently released, signed with the Cubs ahead of this weekend’s series against his former team beginning Friday at Wrigley Field, the team announced.
The Cubs designated veteran catcher Yan Gomes for assignment in the corresponding move.
The Mets moved on from Nido, 30, earlier this month after welcoming back starting catcher Francisco Alvarez from the injured list.
The team had to decide between Nido, known for his defense, and the hot-hitting Luis Torrens, who had just arrived in a trade with the Yankees, to serve as Alvarez’s backup.
Nido had slashed just .229/.261/.361 in 90 plate appearances this season, along with three homers and eight RBIs.
The Mets ultimately went with the hot hand, choosing Torrens and designating Nido for assignment on June 11. He then signed with Chicago upon clearing waivers and being released on June 17.
Nido has only played with the Mets since being drafted in the eighth round in 2012.
“It was a tough one,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said of the decision. “I’ve been saying it the past week, we’re facing a really difficult decision here because of the two guys that were playing. Obviously, Nido did a hell of a job.
“With a guy like Nido, who has been in this organization for a long time, he means a lot to this team and a lot of guys in that room. Nothing but respect for him.”
There is an opening for playing time on the north side of Chicago, with former top-100 prospect Miguel Amaya hitting just .188 with a .519 OPS spanning 52 games.
The Cubs are struggling mightily since peaking at eight games above .500 on April 26, having lost 30 of their last 48 games entering Wednesday’s series finale against the Giants at Wrigley Field.
The Mets, meanwhile, have enjoyed having Alvarez back in the lineup, with the team going 7-1 in his eight games since being activated.
Torrens has received only eight at-bats since Alvarez’s activation but has three hits in that time, including a homer that helped the Mets pull away Sunday after the Padres made it close late.
He’s batting .333 with a .750 OPS and a staggering 1.135 OPS in 24 at-bats.
