Matt Thaiss's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The Chicago Cubs acquired catcher Matt Thaiss on Wednesday from the Los Angeles Angels for cash considerations, while RHP Trey Wingenter was designated for assignment (DFA) in a corresponding move. A week ago, Thaiss was DFAd after the Angels signed veteran Travis d'Arnaud as their backup catcher to Logan O'Hoppe. The Cubs saw too much offensive futility out of their backstops in 2024 and are now without veterans Yan Gomes and Christian Bethancourt after they became free agents in June and November respectively. Thaiss figures to slot in as the veteran presence behind Miguel Amaya, and this could further delay the debut of 21-year-old star prospect Moises Ballesteros unless the Cubs bring him up as a DH. Thaiss made his major league debut in 2019 but is a career .208 hitter with a career .292 wOBA and 83 wRC+, so he's off the fantasy radar for now and he may not be able to hold off Ballesteros long.

Los Angles Angels catcher Matt Thaiss was designated for assignment after the club added veteran catcher Travis d'Arnaud on a one-year deal in free agency earlier this week. If Thaiss isn't picked up off waivers by another club, he'll have the option of returning to the Angels or choosing free agency. The 29-year-old was the 16th overall pick in 2016 out of the University of Virginia, but he never lived up to his draft stock. Thaiss hit only .204/.323/.299 with two home runs, 16 RBI and three stolen bases in 57 games played in 2024 while serving in a backup role behind Logan O'Hoppe. In his six seasons with the Halos, O'Hoppe had a .208/.313/.342 slash line with a weak .655 OPS, 22 homers, 79 RBI and six stolen bases. He'll likely latch on with another team, potentially on a minor-league deal, but Thaiss' ceiling these days is probably as a second-string catcher.