Cubs add Gold Glove first baseman, claim veteran starter amid Wild Card run originally appeared on The Sporting News
Postseason baseball is right around the corner and the Chicago Cubs are bolstering their roster in order to make a deep run. With Kyle Tucker set to hit free agency after this season, Chicago recognizes that this may be their only chance to make a World Series run with their young slugger.
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Just recently, the team announced the signing of veteran first baseman Carlos Santana after clearing waivers from the Cleveland Guardians. Santana has disappointed with his bat this season, but continues to play stellar defense at first base. His Fielding Run Value of five ranks in the 85th percentile, and his seven Outs Above Average put him in the 94th percentile. At the very least, the former Gold Glove winner can provide the Cubs with value as a defensive replacement and as a leader in the locker room. However, don’t let his power numbers be discounted, as he’s mashed 335 career home runs, including 23 last season for the Minnesota Twins.
Chicago also added veteran starter Aaron Civale via waivers. The Cubs mark Civale’s third team this season and although he has struggled, he is only two seasons removed from a 3.46 ERA over 23 starts. For a Chicago team looking to make a deep postseason run, Civale is expected to come out of the bullpen to provide long relief and can move to the starting rotation if needed.
Currently in position for the No. 1 Wild Card spot, the Cubs will hope to keep their foot on the gas pedal in order to play their first Wild Card series at Wrigley Field.
