Adding Another Catcher Still A Priority For The Cubs

Here on the first day of the winter meetings, he Athletic provided an article touching on a number of Cubs subjects.  Among them Sahadev Sharma provided an update on the Cubs plans at catcher:

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Despite the addition of Matt Thaiss, adding a viable catcher who can work in a timeshare with Miguel Amaya is a priority. Danny Jansen was an option the Cubs pursued, but ultimately the veteran chose the one-year, $8.5 million deal offered by Tampa Bay where he’ll be the starter. The team doggedly pursued an upgrade at the position at this past summer’s trade deadline but were rebuffed in their attempts.

Again this winter, they’re finding it similarly difficult to find a regular starter at catcher via trade. Hardly a surprise considering the scarcity of talent at the position and the desire teams have to cling to their impactful catchers. The most likely path appears to be adding via free agency and with Jansen and Kyle Higashioka both off the market, the options are dwindling, with Carson Kelly the most obvious remaining free-agent backstop.

Carson Kelly was written up last week as a Cubs target by Bruce Levine.  Given his place as the last remaining starting caliber catcher on the market, it seems likely his free agency comes to a head here at the winter meetings.

If free agency doesn't prove a viable path for upgrading the position, it will be interesting to see what the team attempts via trade.  Logan O'Hoppe was reportedly the team's target at the trade deadline, but the Angels seem intent on attempting to compete in 2025.