NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Cubs today traded infielder Sergio Alcántara to the Arizona Diamondbacks for a cash consideration. That probably seems like a weird one, but once you see the roster rules, it was kind of a given.
The Cubs, who designated Alcántara for assignment last week (he’s out of minor league options and wasn’t making the Opening Day roster), likely hoped they could get Alcántara through waivers and outright him to Iowa. This trade means they knew that wasn’t going to happen.
Why?
Because the Diamondbacks – and only the Diamondbacks – were going to get Alcántara soon anyway. Teams in the same league as the waiving club have priority on claims, with the worst record last year going first. In other words, the number one waiver priority for Alcántara? The Diamondbacks. If they wanted him, they were going to get him.
UNLESS the Cubs found another team willing to trade something of value. The fact that the Diamondbacks made this trade means that (1) the Cubs likely found a team willing to trade either some cash or an org player that they didn’t quite value enough to want counting against their minor league roster limits, and (2) the Diamondbacks wanted to make sure they got Alcántara in case the Cubs decided one of those other offers was slightly better. Of course, since the Diamondbacks had the top waiver priority, they knew they wouldn’t have to offer much to get him, as the Cubs can’t call their bluff!
Anyway, that is all to say, this trade means there weren’t great trade offers, and the Cubs intended on waiving Alcántara, whom the Diamondbacks intended on claiming. So, instead of a waiver claim, the Cubs get a little extra cash. Probably something slightly higher than the cost of a waiver claim ($50,000). This is, effectively, a waiver claim – just a little pricier.
So, as for the 40-man roster crunch, three situations have been resolved: Alcántara to the Diamondbacks, Harold Ramirez traded to the Rays, and Tommy Nance claimed by the Marlins.
