The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with free-agent catcher Carson Kelly on a two-year, $18 million contract, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal reportedly includes a club option for a third year, bringing the potential value to $27 million.
Carson Kelly is a 28-year-old catcher who has spent the majority of his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is known for his strong arm, defensive prowess, and solid offensive production. Last season, Kelly batted .216 with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs in 101 games. He also posted a 2.7 WAR, according to Baseball Reference.
The Cubs were in need of a starting catcher after trading away Willson Contreras to the St. Louis Cardinals in December. Kelly is expected to fill that role and provide the team with a reliable option behind the plate.
The Chicago Cubs’ signing of Carson Kelly is a move that should help to improve their team both defensively and offensively. Kelly is a solid defensive catcher with a strong arm and good framing skills. He also provides some pop in his bat, although his offensive production can be inconsistent. Overall, Kelly should be a valuable addition to the Cubs’ lineup in 2023.
The signing of Kelly has several broader implications for the Cubs and the rest of the NL Central.
