MLB Rumors: 3 Chicago Cubs who won’t be on the roster by Sept. 1
By Mark Powell
Cubs who won’t be on Sept. 1 roster: One of the catchers
No, I’m not talking about Yan Gomes.
However, it’s rare for any team to carry three catchers this late in the season. Chicago, which has Tucker Barnhart and Miguel Amaya behind Gomes, is one of those teams.
Come the postseason, it will make sense for the Cubs to carry three catchers on the roster in case of emergency. In fact, they’ll have the roster space to do that. For now, though, it’s odd to see a veteran like Barnhart sharing backup catcher duties with Amaya.
Both players have their strengths. Amaya, the younger of the two, is just 24 years old and slashing .262/.376/.417 — all really good offensive numbers for such a demanding position. He’s not nearly as elite defensively as a player like Barnhart, though, who the Cubs acquired specifically to help manage their pitching staff. It’s tough to see either player sent down. At some point the Cubs will need the necessary roster space to add at other positions of need, rather than featuring three catchers.
Amaya is younger, and would likely understand a demotion to the minor leagues if it’s merely to receive more regular reps. Barnhart, on the other hand, likely has to clear waivers. As a former Gold Glover there’s no guarantee some other contender wouldn’t scoop him up.