Former Chicago Cubs trade target placed on waivers, proving a disaster was avoided

In news that would have had more interest to the Chicago Cubs during the first half of the season instead of where they are now, barely clinging onto being part of the conversation in the National League Wild Card race, the Colorado Rockies have placed former All-Star catcher Elias Díaz on outright waivers.

This means that teams have until Friday afternoon to place a claim on Díaz. If Díaz is not claimed, given his status, he does have the right to reject the assignment and become a free agent.

Considering the hot start that Díaz had to the season and the need that the Cubs had at the catcher position while they were legitimately in contention, it seemed like an inevitable match during the early weeks of the season.

The match is no longer there.

Thankfully, the Cubs never pulled the trigger on a trade for Elías Diaz.

With approximately $1.5MM left on his contract for the remainder of this season, there is not any scenario that exists where it would make sense for the Cubs to place a claim on Díaz. It's also important to note that while the Cubs did attempt to address their need at catcher during the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline, it was for a much younger Logan O'Hoppe. There's a difference between the Cubs targeting a catcher under team control until 2029 against an aging catcher who is a free agent this winter.

Beyond the age fact, there have also been serious signs of regression in Díaz's offensive numbers this season. Since June 1, Díaz is slashing .239/.282/.321 with a wRC+ 57. For those not paying close attention at home, the easy thinking is that even with his regression, Díaz would still be a significant upgrade over Miguel Amaya. That assessment would be wrong. Amaya, since June 19, is slashing .277/.333/.398 with a 108 wRC+.

The Cubs may have made the determination moving forward that Amaya is best served as a backup catcher and there is no argument there. But, given his offensive success since making noticeable changes to his stance and swing approach, Amaya will likely be the primary catcher for the Cubs for the remainder of the season.

Beyond that likelihood, the Cubs' sweep by the Cleveland Guardians this week was a reminder that the focus shouldn't be on making the postseason this season. The Cubs face diminishing postseason odds with each passing day and bringing in a regressing catcher is not going to change that fact. If anything, the Cubs would be wise to use one of their September call-ups on catching prospect Moises Ballesteros and see exactly where he is in terms of his development as a catcher.