There are a number of driving components behind the Cubs’ disappointing 2024 season, however probably the most outstanding flaws has been a catching corps that ranks close to the underside of the league by way of offensive manufacturing. By measure of wRC+, solely the last-place White Sox and Marlins have acquired lesser contributions than the Cubs’ collective .221/.265/.352 from their backstops.
The quartet of Yan Gomes, Miguel Amaya, Tomas Nido and Christian Bethancourt have accounted for the entire Cubs’ plate appearances at catcher this season. And whereas Amaya has turned issues round of late — he’s hitting .358/.402/.589 over his previous 105 plate appearances — including some catching assist stays a “precedence” for the Cubs within the forthcoming offseason, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reviews.
As Sharma explains at higher size, Amaya’s turnaround isn’t essentially a small-sample fluke. He modified his setup within the batter’s field and ditched his leg kick for a toe-tap again in early July, and his outcomes have taken off since. On the identical time, it’s solely 105 plate appearances (throughout which he has a .372 BABIP), and the Cubs understandably aren’t able to put all their eggs in that one basket simply but.
Including catching assistance is a pure objective for the Cubs, not solely due to the 2024 group’s general dearth of manufacturing but additionally as a result of the lineup typically wants extra offense however lacks clear areas for potential change. Within the outfield, Ian Happ, Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong are locked right into a rotation. It’s attainable Bellinger triggers an opt-out in his contract at season’s finish, however he’s no lock to take action when he’s hitting .269/.328/.423 on the season.
Across the infield, issues are principally set with deadline pickup Isaac Paredes at third base, Dansby Swanson at shortstop, Nico Hoerner at second and Michael Busch at first. The Cubs don’t have a set designated hitter, however with 4 outfielders all meriting common taking part in time, considered one of that quartet can line up because the DH on any given day.
It’s no less than attainable the Cubs may look to shake up the present group on the offseason commerce market, however their choices there are restricted. Swanson, Happ and Suzuki all have no-trade clauses. Paredes was solely simply acquired and isn’t going to be moved so rapidly. Busch has had a productive rookie season and has 5 further seasons of membership management. Crow-Armstrong began gradual on the plate however has picked up steam of late — and he’s an elite defender who’s gone 26-for-27 in stolen base makes an attempt. Like Busch, he has 5 seasons of membership management remaining.
The center infield has been a letdown for the Cubs by way of offensive manufacturing. Swanson hit .244/.328/.416 with 22 homers in his first season as a Cub final 12 months however has dipped to .229/.303/.369 this season. He’s nonetheless taking part in distinctive protection, nevertheless, and as beforehand famous can’t be traded with out his consent. (The remaining 5 years on his contract wouldn’t generate enormous curiosity on the heels of a down season on the plate anyhow.) Hoerner’s identify popped up on the rumor mill previous to this season’s deadline, with the Dodgers reportedly among the many groups. He’s hitting .257/.326/.351 as of this writing. Like Swanson, it’s sub-par offense that’s paired with premium protection and baserunning. Hoerner is signed by way of 2026 and was an above-average hitter as lately as 2023.
All informed, the Cubs’ lineup is basically set, except subsequent 12 months’s beginning catcher. Amaya has one other month to stake his declare to that function, however catcher is a pure spot for president of baseball ops Jed Hoyer to look to inject some life into his lineup. The Cubs reportedly pursued younger Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe previous to the deadline, so it’s hardly a shock to see that they’re gearing as much as search for upgrades this winter.
That stated, the upcoming class of free brokers doesn’t embody a clear-cut reply. Danny Jansen is the highest choice on the open market, however after hitting .237/.317/.487 (121 wRC+ from 2021-23, he’s stumbled with a .214/.303/.363 slash this season (90 wRC+). Gary Sanchez, Elias Diaz and Carson Kelly are among the many different choices, however none is a transparent candidate to function a significant improve.
The Cubs have a powerful farm system and will use a few of that prospect depth to pursue options. Their curiosity in O’Hoppe suggests they’ve maybe already laid the groundwork on some pursuits of this nature. There’s no indication the Angels are open to shifting O’Hoppe, however the Cubs may revisit that state of affairs. There are different golf equipment with ample catching depth to spare. The Dodgers have Will Smith signed for an additional decade however prospects Dalton Dashing and Diego Cartaya behind him (although the latter hasn’t hit nicely in Triple-A and has seen his inventory drop significantly). The Mariners have Cal Raleigh locked in at catcher, however 2021 first-rounder and prime prospect Harry Ford isn’t removed from MLB readiness. Maybe the A’s can be open to shifting Shea Langeliers and his 22 residence runs as he will get one other step nearer to arbitration.
That’s a speculative listing of choices, to be clear, however the underlying level stays clear. The Cubs have a necessity to enhance the lineup however little flexibility as they attempt to take action, with catcher probably the most easy choice. However whereas that’s a simple want, the trail to attain it’s obscured by a scarcity of impactful free brokers and clear influence commerce candidates at a typically skinny place.
