The New York Mets recently released catcher Tomas Nido, who has now signed a major league contract with the Chicago Cubs. Known for his strong defensive skills, Nido’s transition to the Cubs could bring stability to their catching lineup. This move marks a new chapter for Nido following his time with the Mets.
- Tomas Nido was recently released by the Mets.
- Nido’s defensive skills are highly regarded, but his batting has been less impressive.
- He has already signed a big league deal with the Chicago Cubs.
New York Mets Release Tomas Nido
The New York Mets announced on June 17 that they had released catcher Tomas Nido following his designation for assignment (DFA) last week.
The Mets will be responsible for the remaining balance of his $2.1 million salary for this year, minus the prorated league minimum if he joins another major league roster.
Tomas Nido’s Contract and Career with the Mets
Nido, who is 30 years old, signed a two-year, $3.7 million contract in the 2022-23 offseason to avoid arbitration.
Despite this, the Mets decided to remove him from their 40-man roster midway through the 2023 season.
Nido accepted this assignment rather than opting for free agency at that time, which would have meant giving up the guaranteed money in his contract. Nido returned to the major leagues earlier this season when Mets’ starting catcher Francisco Alvarez suffered a thumb ligament injury.
During this stint, Nido achieved five years of major league service time. This milestone means that even if the Mets had placed him on outright waivers again, he could have refused the assignment while retaining the guaranteed money from his contract.
Balancing Defensive Skills with Offensive Challenges
In the 32 games Nido played for the Mets this season, he made 90 plate appearances and achieved a batting average of .229, an on-base percentage of .261, and a slugging percentage of .361.
He also hit three home runs and maintained his reputation for strong defensive play.
While Nido is recognized as a top-tier defensive catcher, his offensive contributions have been modest.
His career batting line stands at .214/.251/.313, reflecting a consistent pattern with his performance this season.
Tomas Nido Joins the Chicago Cubs
After his release from the Mets, Tomas Nido has found a new home with the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs, recognizing Nido’s robust defensive skills, signed him to a major league contract. This move aims to bolster their catching options, which have experienced inconsistent performances.
Nido’s proven skills in handling pitchers and managing the game from behind the plate are expected to contribute significantly to the Cubs’ strategy, especially given their need for stability and veteran presence in this critical position.
Before this, it was said that several other teams, including the Marlins, White Sox, Rays, and others, were also interested in Nido.
Tomas Nido’s Future in Major League Baseball
Tomas Nido’s departure from the Mets signifies a fresh start in his career. Known for his defensive skills, Nido has already secured a spot with the Chicago Cubs, enhancing their catching capabilities.
His defensive prowess will be a key player for the Cubs, as they look to stabilize their lineup and improve game management from behind the plate.
As Nido integrates into his new team, it will be interesting to see how his contributions impact the Cubs in the upcoming season.
