Breaking: Arizona Diamondbacks Pitcher shocks fans by Departing After Heated Rift With Head Coach Torey Lovullo..….See more

Even though the Chicago Cubs had yet another poor season—their second consecutive 83–79 record and fourth consecutive postseason missed—there are still some positive aspects to appreciate.

Hopes for brighter times were high among Chicago Cubs fans because the team had a top-tier starting rotation and one of the league’s most talented farm systems. Miguel Amaya, a second-year catcher for the Cubs who appeared in 53 games in 2023, was one of the promising young players on the 2024 roster.

Amaya had a roller coaster season, but he turned things around after sitting out in July and ended up having a fantastic offensive season. Everyone in Chicago agreed that, despite Amaya’s improvement, the team needs a catcher or, failing that, a veteran to fill in for the inexperienced Amaya.After the Atlanta Braves turned down free agency Travis d’Arnaud’s $8 million option, Cubbies Crib’s Jordan Campbell mentioned him as a fascinating alternative.

“There was some surprise that the Atlanta Braves declined his $8MM club option for the 2025 season,” he said. “d’Arnaud certainly has the power that is much-needed for this Cubs’ lineup and his veteran presence may help with not only Amaya but the young pitchers making their way to the Major League level.”

d’Arnaud just had a good season with the Braves, posting full-season numbers that, if not for the youngster’s tear in the playoffs, would have been better than Amaya. For a long time now, d’Arnaud has been one of the finest offensive catchers in the league. He helped Atlanta win the World Series in 2021 and was named an All-Star in 2022. In the truncated 2020 season, he also won the Silver Slugger award.

The Braves’ decision to release him for a seven-figure option was puzzling, but the Cubs may theoretically gain from the trade.Spotrac values d’Arnaud at a higher AVV than what Atlanta denied, thus it will be interesting to watch the type of contract he gets now. Whatever the case may be, he would be a huge upgrade for Chicago’s position and wouldn’t break the bank.