Cubs claim versatile infielder off waivers from Mets

The Chicago Cubs added experienced infield depth Wednesday by claiming Gabriel Arias off waivers from the New York Mets. The move gives Chicago another versatile defender while Cubs starting shortstop Dansby Swanson recovers from a left oblique strain.

Arias, 26, has played every position across the diamond throughout his major league career. His ability to cover the shortstop, third base, second base, and first base positions gives manager Craig Counsell additional flexibility during the 2026 stretch run.

Due to the former top prospect being out of minor league options, the Cubs must keep him on their active roster or expose him to waivers again. The Cubs acquired him without surrendering prospects or other trade assets.

ESPN’s Jesse Rogers shared an update Wednesday on X, formerly Twitter, regarding the Cubs’ latest roster move.

“The Cubs claimed INF Gabriel Arias off waivers from the Mets. Gives them a guy with some experience to back-up around the diamond with Dansby Swanson down.”

To create room on the 40-man roster, the club transferred right-handed reliever Phil Maton from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL. Maton has been sidelined by a knee injury.

Swanson landed on the 10-day IL Monday after suffering an oblique strain during Sunday’s loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Counsell expects him to miss approximately four weeks. Nico Hoerner has moved from second base to shortstop during his absence.

Arias joined the Mets earlier this month after the Cleveland Guardians designated him for assignment. He batted .244 with five home runs in 42 games for the Guardians this season before New York claimed him August 7. His stay with the Mets lasted less than two weeks.

The Cubs remain firmly positioned in the National League postseason race, making dependable infield coverage important. Arias does not need to secure an everyday role to make the waiver claim worthwhile.

If he supplies steady defense across multiple positions while Swanson recovers, Arias can provide useful late-season insurance without costing Chicago any valuable organizational depth.