Cubs latest low-risk waiver claim could pay dividends down the road

The Chicago Cubs have claimed Franmil Reyes off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians. Reyes was DFA’d be Cleveland over the weekend.

The Cubs took a flyer on a proven veteran Monday by claiming Reyes off waivers. While there’s no guarantee he’ll be able to rediscover his old stroke, Chicago’s front office doesn’t have much to lose at this point.

Hoyer and Co. opted against trading the likes of Willson Contreras and Ian Happ at the deadline. So, rather than bringing up the kids on the farm, Reyes will get a run somewhere in the Cubs starting nine.

Reyes was slashing .213/.254/.350 with the Guardians, which was good for a wRC+ of 69. Those numbers leave much to be desired, but he can start anew in Chicago.

Cubs claim veteran Franmil Reyes

At just 27 years old, Reyes still has plenty of good baseball left if he can rediscover his swing. His strikeout percentage is higher than usual at a shade over 37 percent, while he’s also failed to get on base via a measly five-percent walk rate.

Reyes is just a year removed from his best season — a 30-home run power surge in 2021. While his batting average and on-base percentage aren’t strengths by any means, his current slash line is far below the usual expectation.

The metrics do suggest a turnaround is possible. His hard-hit percentage, as well as exit velocity do point to some bad luck, if anything. The Cubs are hoping with the right tutelage and perhaps some minor swing chances, he can find his groove once at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field.