The Chicago Cubs are trying to claw their way into playoff contention. By making a change behind the plate, the Cubs are hoping to add a bit of a spark to their lineup.
Chicago has designated Yan Gomes for assignment, via Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation. In turn, the team signed former New York Mets backstop Tomas Nido.
Over 33 games, Gomes had hit .154 with two home runs and seven RBI. Without much pop and with a definite lack of discipline at the plate, Gomes was more of a burden for Chicago's lineup rather than a boon. However, Gomes isn't the only catcher struggling to make an impact on the Cubs.
Miguel Amaya has gotten the majority of starts behind the plate, appearing in 51 games. However, it hasn't resulted in much output as he is hitting just .185 with two home runs and 14 RBI. Amaya was the team's 15th-best prospect in 2023, via MLB Pipeline, so there is still hope for the future. But the catcher, alongside Gomes, has struggled to make an impact in 2024.
It comes at a tough time, as Chicago is tied for 17th in the league with 309 runs scored. The Cubs cannot afford a slump from numerous players at the same position.
Based on his previous results, it's unlikely Tomas Nido comes in and suddenly turns the Cubs into offensive juggernauts. But with how bad it has been at backstop, Chicago is up to trying something new.
Cubs shake up roster for early boost
Heading into the season, the Cubs set their sights on making the playoffs. They still have those aspirations, but it'll be a bit more difficult based on the hole they've dug. Chicago sits 8.5 games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central. Still, with plenty of baseball left to be played, the Cubs will still try to make a run.
Nido may ultimately not play much of a role offensively. Over his 32 games with the New York Mets in 2024, the backstop hit .229 with three home runs and eight RBI. His stats are better than both Yan Gomes and Amaya, but they're still nothing to write home about. Through his entire eight-year MLB career, Nido has hit .214 with 16 home runs and 82 RBI.
Perhaps Nido's addition means the Cubs are willing to give Amaya a longer leash. While Gomes' performance no longer cut it, Nido won't come in and immediately be the starter. Instead, he'll provide Chicago with an Amaya backup who has looked a tad bit more competent in the batter's box.
Ultimately, the Cubs will be looking to their stars for extra offense. Chicago will lean on players such as Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson will be asked to carry the torch and step up. If they aren't hitting, it's unlikely the Cubs can make a playoff run.
The addition of Tomas Nido is more overall. Barring a sudden rise, he'll be more of a backup than anything. But the change shows that Chicago is at least aware of their catching issues and know that their roster could use some tweaking to reach perfection.
