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How Cubs could easily lose .713 OPS veteran catcher in free agency
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- How Cubs could easily lose .713 OPS veteran catcher in free agency
How Cubs could easily lose .713 OPS veteran catcher in free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Chicago Cubs had an early exit in the postseason, getting swept in the Wild Card Series by the San Diego Padres .
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With 17 players potentially hitting free agency, this should be an interesting offseason for the Cubs.
At catcher, the Cubs have received solid production over the last two seasons from Carson Kelly.
"The Cubs signed Kelly to a two-year contract in the winter of 2024 and have been thrilled with the results. He hit .254/.335/.402 with a .736 OPS, 27 home runs and 108 RBI over that span, and his exchange times and arm velocity have also gotten better in recent years, according to Statcast," FanSided's Robert Murray wrote.
Kelly's offensive production and improved defensive skill set will be attractive to several teams in search of a new backstop.
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The New York Yankees could use a right-handed hitting platoon partner for Austin Wells, so Kelly certainly would make sense for the AL East club.
The same applies for the Baltimore Orioles , who might want an upgrade over Carlos Narvaez as Samuel Basallo's backup after trading Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox .
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"With so many teams needing catching reinforcements this winter, Kelly will have options in free agency. Another multi-year deal would certainly appear to be in the cards for the free-agent-to-be," Murray added.
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Without Kelly, the Cubs could turn to Miguel Amaya as their starting catcher and have No. 2 prospect Owen Ayers be his backup.
Or, Chicago's front office must target someone new in free agency or via trade.
