Cubs Claim Infielder Gabriel Arias Off Waivers

The Chicago Cubs claimed infielder Gabriel Arias off waivers and added him to the 40-man roster Thursday, transferring right-hander Phil Maton to the 60-day injured list to create space.

Arias, 26, was designated for assignment by the Mets earlier this week after a brief stint in New York. The Mets had previously claimed him from the Cleveland Guardians. Because Arias is out of options, the Cubs will need to make a corresponding active roster move to add him to the 26-man roster.

Arias has compiled a .218/.274/.358 slash line over 1,173 major league plate appearances across five seasons. He has struggled to make consistent contact, posting a career strikeout rate above 34 percent while walking at a below-average clip.

Defense remains his strongest attribute. Arias has seen significant time at shortstop (nearly 1,500 innings) along with substantial work at third base, second base and first base. He has generally graded as an average to above-average defender across the infield and offers the Cubs a more reliable shortstop option behind Nico Hoerner.

The move comes with Dansby Swanson on the injured list due to an oblique strain. Hoerner has shifted from second base to shortstop in Swanson’s absence, creating a need for infield depth. Arias gives the Cubs a proven major league shortstop who can also fill in at multiple positions.

Maton’s transfer to the 60-day IL means he will not be eligible to return until mid-to-late September at the earliest. The Cubs will determine the corresponding active roster move in the coming days as they prepare to add Arias.