Why Cubs' power shortage points to adding catcher at trade deadline

The Chicago Cubs are down, but they're not out. Heading into the All-Star break, Chicago has managed to claw back to 47-51, just 3.5 games out of a playoff spot.

For a couple of weeks, it looked as though the Cubs were doomed to be sellers at the July 30 trade deadline. But given the heightened preseason expectations and disappointment of last season, it would be hard for the Cubs to throw in the towel now.

Sadahev Sharma, Cubs beat reporter for The Athletic, said on Monday that the number one thing the Cubs need to address is the lack of power and depth on offense.

"It’s less about getting great offensive performances... and just getting a slightly better one. Especially when considering the Cubs lineup lacks that true superstar," Sharma said.

Sharma pointed out that the catcher, second base, and center field positions had a combined 19 home runs, tied for last in MLB. Plus, the seven through nine spots in the batting order had a combined 71 WRC+, the fifth-worst in baseball.

The catching position stands out since the Cubs have Nico Hoerner at second base and a clogged outfield depth chart. And given the buzz swirling around Chicago on the trade rumor mill, it wouldn't be a surprise for the Cubs to add a catcher to address their power shortage.

In the past week alone, the Cubs have been linked to the Colorado Rockies' Elias Díaz and the Toronto Blue Jays' Danny Jansen. Where there's smoke, there's often fire, and landing one of those two would be a big lift to the Cubs' offense compared to their current catching options.

Miguel Amaya, in his second season with the Cubs, has been abysmal offensively. His .554 OPS would be the worst among all MLB hitters if he had enough at-bats to qualify. Meanwhile, Tomás Nido has posted just a .431 OPS in 14 games after the Cubs signed him off waivers.

Díaz, a 2023 All-Star, is having the best offensive season of his career. Jansen, though he's cooled off at the plate of late, has a .784 OPS since the start of 2021. Either would make the Cubs a much more complete lineup.

If the Cubs are going to commit to making a postseason push, it has to start with upgrading the catching position. But depleting their prospect pool is a risk, and as they found out in 2023, buying at the deadline doesn't guarantee a playoff spot by any means.

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