Miguel Montero thought the Chicago Cubs might release him during the season.

They didn't -- in fact the Cubs never considered such a move -- and Montero hit a tie-breaking, eighth-inning grand slam in Game 1 of the NLCS on Saturday night.

Montero is slated to earn $14 million next season and the Cubs reportedly shopped him last offseason.

Willson Contreras and David Ross both took time away from Montero behind the plate this year.