The Chicago Cubs ended their 2024 season with another disappointing 83-79 record, marking their fourth consecutive miss from the postseason. Despite this, the team has promising young talent, notably second-year catcher Miguel Amaya, who showed significant improvement in the latter part of the season, raising hopes for the future. With the departure of defensive backup Christian Bethancourt, the Cubs are now looking to enhance their catching options, potentially targeting veteran Travis d'Arnaud from the Braves, who was surprisingly let go after a solid season. Meanwhile, catcher Yasmani Grandal, who struggled with the Pirates, is also seeking a new team after a season of mixed performances. Additionally, Max Fried has received a qualifying offer from the Braves, but he is expected to explore lucrative free agency options, with teams like the Cubs and Padres being mentioned as potential fits. Minor league signing Sergio Alcantara has joined the San Francisco Giants, adding depth to their infield as he aims to make an impact in spring training.