Earlier today, President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer discussed the Chicago Cubs’ future in 2024 during a local radio interview. He emphasized that the team’s long-term improvement will primarily stem from internal development. However, they remain vigilant in exploring trade opportunities to enhance the team’s performance without compromising its future.
Among the areas needing improvement, catcher stands out prominently. Both Miguel Amaya and Yan Gomes have struggled both offensively and defensively, performing below league-average levels in defense and batting below .200. It’s evident that the Cubs will face challenges in winning games without an upgraded catcher.
Current trade speculations suggest that the Cubs could be interested in acquiring catchers Elias Diaz from the Colorado Rockies and Danny Jansen from the Toronto Blue Jays. The Rockies are likely to part ways with Diaz before the trade deadline, given their position far from playoff contention. On the other hand, the Blue Jays still have a chance to compete for the playoffs, provided they swiftly reverse their fortunes.
Initially, Diaz appeared to be the most feasible option for the Cubs, with reports indicating that discussions have commenced. However, Hoyer emphasized earlier today that they won’t rush into any decisions until absolutely necessary. It seems that the urgency to make a move may have escalated sooner than anticipated.
Phillies Lose Star Catcher, And Will Probably Join Cubs In Trade Market
The Philadelphia Phillies have announced that All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto will undergo right knee meniscectomy surgery on Wednesday, forcing him onto the injured list. As a result, AAA Lehigh Valley catcher Rafael Marchán has been called up to fill his roster spot. Realmuto is expected to be sidelined for 4-8 weeks.
Despite currently leading the National League, losing Realmuto could pose a significant setback for the Phillies. Given their aggressive pursuit of a championship, it’s unlikely they would be content to wait out the injury and sacrifice production. Consequently, Elias Diaz of the Colorado Rockies may become a target for the Phillies, who are poised to win. This situation presents a potential threat to the Cubs.
The Phillies have already been linked to Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox as a potential trade target. With Realmuto’s injury, they may need to adjust their focus and consider renting Diaz for the remainder of the season to maintain their dominant position in the NL. Given their aggressive nature, the Phillies may be capable of pursuing both options.
Successful teams often make bold moves to assert dominance over their opponents. If the Cubs make moves during this deadline, it may seem more like a temporary fix rather than a significant blow to their NL rivals. With a pressing need for a catching solution, the Cubs’ season outlook could drastically change if another team secures a deal before them.
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