Chicago Cubs latest roster move shows incredible turnaround for biggest weakness

Prior to the Chicago Cubs' victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday night, the team made a move as they claimed right-handed relief pitcher Shawn Armstrong off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.

While the Cubs have yet to add Armstrong to their 26-man roster, a move that could happen on Saturday or simply once rosters expand in a couple of days, the team did make a corresponding move to ensure that the veteran reliever was added to the 40-man roster.

In adding Armstrong to the 40-man roster, the Cubs released veteran catcher Tomás Nido.

The release of Nido, as insignificant as it may seem, highlights how far the Cubs have come at the catching position this season. Nido was signed by the Cubs in June when it became clear that the team could not move forward with both Miguel Amaya and Yan Gomes struggling. Nido's arrival was the corresponding move to Gomes being designated for assignment but given the struggles that the Cubs have had at the position, the addition of the former New York Mets' catcher likely got more attention than it deserved.

Nido's contributions to the Cubs didn't boost the play at the position, with a .128/.143/.234 slash line in 50 plate appearances, but his release does show how one of the Cubs' biggest weaknesses to open the season has suddenly become a strength during the second half of the season.

The Cubs' catching tandem is boosting the offense.

Miguel Amaya, with his offensive turnaround, is beginning to provide a reason for the Cubs' front office to think twice about prioritizing an upgrade at catcher this offseason. Meanwhile, Christian Bethancourt has been an unsung hero on the Cubs' bench. Bethancourt's 7-RBI performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this week added eyes to the fact that his wRC+ with the Cubs is sitting at 264.

Who knows what this recent success means for the Cubs at the catcher in the long-term but for this season, in these closing weeks, Amaya and Bethancourt have become the catalysts for a once-broken offense.