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3 minor-league signings to watch - 2. Jorge Alfaro
Jorge Alfaro was one of the earlier signings the Cubs secured on a minor league deal. This spring, Alfaro will be vying for the role of backup to the backup behind Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya. He has had some success with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres as a big-league backstop, batting .245/.284/.361 from 2021 to 2022. If Pablo Aliendo starts in Triple-A Iowa this season, he likely won't be considered for a big league call-up soon. Alfaro likely has the spot if he plays well this spring, stays healthy, and isn't a disaster in Iowa.
There was severe regression last season. Alfaro managed just .146/.212/.292 in 48 ABs between Colorado and Boston. I consider him a segue to Aliendo or Moises Ballesteros, and we'll only see him if one of Gomes or Amaya lands on the IL. Without any options remaining, he will only get one shot on the major league roster if he does get called up at some point. He isn't the most attractive of names, but given where the Cubs' better catching prospects are, he's likely the next man up if the Cubs need him.