Cubs claim infielder Sergio Alcantara off waivers from Tigers

The Cubs Friday announced the waiver claim of infielder Sergio Alcantara from the Tigers.

The 24-year-old Alcantara, no relation to former Cub Arismendy Alcantara, played in 10 games for the Tigers in 2020, his first MLB season. He went 3-for-21 with a home run.

He has played second base, third base and shortstop in the minor leagues, so he provides some defensive versatility for the Cubs.

Baseball America said he had the “best infield arm” in the Tigers system following the 2019 season, Alcantara originally signed with the Diamondbacks as a non-drafted free agent in July 2012. He was acquired by Detroit in a four-player trade that sent outfielder J.D. Martinez to the D-backs, July 18, 2017.

This acquisition puts the Cubs’ 40-man roster officially at 38. Now, you’ve likely noticed that articles here reporting the Cubs’ signings of Joc Pederson, Trevor Williams and Andrew Chafin had previously put the 40-man roster at the 40-man limit. It should be noted that the signings of Pederson, Williams and Chafin have not yet been officially announced by the Cubs, so as of now those players aren’t counted against that limit. When they are, someone will have to be placed on waivers. Further, it’s been hinted that the Cubs are still looking to sign a starting pitcher before spring training, and if that happens, another player would have to be dropped from the 40-man.

As always, we await developments.