Chicago Cubs Release Former Phillies Slugger as Opening Day Approaches

The Chicago Cubs have released a former Philadelphia Phillies catcher ahead of MLB Opening Day

Feb 15, 2024; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Jorge Alfaro (32) warms up during Spring Training / Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs have released a former Philadelphia Phillies catcher ahead of MLB Opening Day.

The 31-year-old Jorge Alfaro, who was in MLB Spring Training camp on a minor league deal, is the latest to be released by the Cubs as they continue to pare down their roster according to the Chicago Sun Times.

Alfaro was competing for the backup catcher spot but appears to have ultimately fallen short in competition with Miguel Amaya. Last season Amaya and Yan Gomes formed a pretty productive unit behind the plate. However, clubs will always look to upgrade the position if possible.

Clubs also need plenty of depth at the position throughout the season and in spring training. However, Alfaro is seen as a player that could still have some upside as he was once considered a top-50 prospect in baseball and was included in trades with the Phillies when Philadelphia sent Cole Hamels to the Texas Rangers.

The catcher was then included in the mega trade with the Miami Marlins that saw catcher J.T. Realmuto make his was to the Phillies.

Despite the hype, Alfaro has never turned out to quite be the player that his clubs and scouts thought he would become. With a career slashline of .253/.302/.393 over the course of seven seasons in the MLB, Alfaro was seen as having a pretty good bat earlier in his career.

However, he has recently struggled to hit as evidenced by his .146/.212/.292 slashline with just one homerun in 2023. Add in the fact he hasn't been the most reliable glove behind the plate and Alfaro is no longer seen as a viable MLB option with his current production.

As a player with his pedigree, he may very well find another opportunity to prove himself this season, it just won't be with the Chicago Cubs.