BREAKING: Cubs Trade Proposal Sends $14 Million Catcher to Chicago in 3-Player Deal
Despite their 37-41 record, the Chicago Cubs remain contenders in the National League Wild Card race. Manager Craig Counsell could benefit from reinforcing the catching position. A potential solution might be acquiring catcher Elias Diaz from the Colorado Rockies before the trade deadline.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic suggested a “difference-making trade” for each NL Wild Card contender, including a proposal for the Cubs.
- Cubs receive: catcher Elias Diaz
- Rockies receive: right-handed pitchers Brandon Birdsell and Will Sanders
“Last year, Diaz hit .267 with 14 home runs, 72 RBIs, and a .752 OPS, and he was named MVP of the All-Star Game. This year, he’s hitting .303 with a .352 on-base percentage and a .791 OPS, all of which would be career highs,” said Bowden. “Diaz would significantly boost the Cubs’ offense at catcher. He will become a free agent after this season. In return, the Rockies would enhance their future by acquiring two mid-level starting pitching prospects to bolster their strong farm system.”
Diaz is in the final season of a three-year, $14.5 million contract extension he signed in 2021, according to Spotrac. The 33-year-old is earning $6 million in 2024 before becoming a free agent this winter. Birdsell (20th) and Sanders (27th) are ranked among MLB.com’s top 30 Cubs prospects.
How Diaz Can Upgrade the Cubs’ Catching Mix
The Cubs’ catching situation has been problematic. As of June 24, the unit’s combined -1.3 fWAR is tied with the Chicago White Sox for the worst in MLB. Miguel Amaya and Yan Gomes have primarily shared catching duties, but Gomes was designated for assignment on June 19 after Chicago signed Tomas Nido.
Amaya had a .688 OPS as a rookie in 2023, but that number has dropped to .528 over his first 176 plate appearances this season. Nido, who has a .564 OPS over eight seasons (895 plate appearances) with the New York Mets, doesn’t bring much offensive strength either.
While Diaz would be a substantial offensive upgrade, he’s also having a career year at the plate, producing a 1.3 fWAR and 107 wRC+ so far. According to FanGraphs, his best overall season was in 2021 with the Rockies, when he posted a 91 wRC+ and 1.7 fWAR in 371 plate appearances.
There is always speculation about whether a Colorado player’s offensive success is due to the hitter-friendly Coors Field. However, Diaz’s performance has been relatively balanced, with an .820 OPS at home and a .759 OPS on the road as of June 24.
What Are the Chances Chicago Can Reach the Postseason?
The Cubs begin their series against the San Francisco Giants eight games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central. Many NL teams are in a similar situation as Chicago, entering play on June 24 just two games out of the final NL Wild Card spot. With four teams between them and that position, the Cubs still have a realistic shot at the postseason with plenty of regular season left.
FanGraphs estimates the Cubs’ postseason odds at 20.6%, a significant drop from their 41.3% chance on Opening Day.
Chicago had a relatively quiet winter after signing Craig Counsell to a $40 million deal to manage the team. The goal was to return to October for the first time since 2020 and win their first playoff game since 2017. To improve their chances, President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer will need to make strategic additions before the trade deadline.