Cubs add depth, claim Alcántara off waivers

CHICAGO -- The Cubs added a layer of depth to their infield on Friday afternoon, claiming the versatile Sergio Alcántara off waivers from the Tigers.

Alcántara appeared in 10 games last season for Detroit, which utilized the infielder as a second and third baseman. Throughout his Minor League career, the 24-year-old switch-hitter has spent the majority of his time between second and short, hitting .256 with a .340 on-base percentage. He would offer a backup option off the bench all around the infield for a Cubs team in need of depth in that department.

Last year, Alcántara made his MLB debut on Sept. 6 and launched a home run off Twins veteran Rich Hill two pitches into his first career plate appearance. That came after Alcántara had nine home runs total across 2,611 career plate appearances in the Minors between stints with the D-backs and Tigers. The infielder went 3-for-21 in his limited taste of the big leagues in 2020 with Detroit.

This offseason, Alcántara hit .257 with a .746 OPS in 82 plate appearances (23 games) for Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Winter League. In his last full season in 2019, Alcántara logged a .272/.381/.327 slash line against right-handers, compared to a .196/.269/.234 slash line against lefties while with Double-A Erie in Detroit's system.