The Chicago Cubs have been quiet all offseason, but they have finally made their first move of winter free agency. The Cubs signed free agent catcher Jorge Alfaro to a minor league contract, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.
Sources: Free-agent catcher Jorge Alfaro in agreement with the Chicago Cubs on a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) December 13, 2023
Cubs Sign Jorge Alfaro
This is not the blockbuster move fans were hoping for, but it is something to get the ball rolling. Chicago has multiple needs to fill on their major league roster, and they have been linked to plenty of players. The Cubs would love to add pitching and a few bats as well. However, adding depth at the catching position is never a bad thing, especially when it is a minor league deal.
Alfaro’s Career Numbers
Alfaro is an eight-year veteran, first seeing time with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016. Alfaro was able to stick in the big leagues in 2018 and 2019, but he has bounced around since. In his career, the 30-year-old has played for the Phillies, Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, and Boston Red Sox – in that order.
In his career, Alfaro has played 496 games and amassed a batting average of .253 with an OPS of .695. Alfaro’s best season came in 2019 with the Marlins. During that season, he slashed .262/.312/.425 to go along with 18 home runs and 57 RBI. The downside to Alfaro is his strikeouts and lack of walks. Alfaro has a career 34.0 strikeout percentage and a walk percentage of just 4.2.
Behind the plate, Chicago will have Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya splitting time in the big leagues this season, which is why Alfaro is on a minor-league contract. Gomes will be the starter, but Amaya shows a lot of potential. Amaya was a top prospect for the Cubs before getting the call, and Chicago would love to see him bloom into an everyday catcher. The Cubs are hoping Alfaro will return to his 2018 and 2019 form if he does need to come up and fill a role, but having him as depth in Triple-A is a good move.
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