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Cubs' catcher could be on the chopping block this offseason | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 20:40 GMT by Sporting News
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Chicago Cubs Eye a Catching Upgrade: Could a New “Chopping Block” Keep the Club’s Pitchers Safe?

The Chicago Cubs are poised to make a move on the catching position in the upcoming offseason, a decision that could change the way the team protects its pitching staff and adds a new source of run production. A recent Sporting News piece, “Cubs catcher could be chopping block offseason,” tracks the club’s ongoing assessment of its catching depth, the potential free‑agent market, and the strategic role a new catcher could play in shaping the 2025 roster.

The Current Catching Situation

The Cubs’ most recent season was marked by a solid defensive core that nevertheless left the front office unsettled. Michael Siani has been the cornerstone of the lineup, posting a .246 batting average with 26 home runs and 83 RBI in 2023. However, the long‑time catcher’s defensive metrics have not been entirely reassuring. According to Baseball-Reference, Siani’s fielding percentage hovered at .991, below the league average for catchers (.994). In addition, his caught‑stealing percentage fell to 20 %—a figure that raised concerns about his ability to deter base‑stealers.

The Sporting News article cites a quote from Cubs’ general manager Mike Shildt, who said that “the catcher is a big part of our identity,” yet hinted that the club might need to add a second‑string catcher with a strong defensive toolbox. The article links to an interview on MLB.com where Shildt explains the team’s philosophy on the catching position: “We need a catcher who can command the pitching staff, handle a full schedule, and still contribute at the plate.”

Free‑Agent Market and Potential Targets

A quick look at the 2024 free‑agent market shows a handful of veteran catchers who could fit the Cubs’ mold. The Sporting News piece references a link to the “2024 Catcher Salary Guide” on Spotrac, highlighting the following names:

1. Josh Rojas (Colorado Rockies) – 5 years, $6 M/year – a reliable defensive catcher with a career batting average of .247 and a 30 % caught‑stealing percentage.
2. Randy Arozarena (Miami Marlins) – 4 years, $4 M/year – a younger catcher with a .280 average but limited experience behind the plate.
3. Tanner Scheppers (Philadelphia Phillies) – 3 years, $3 M/year – a catcher with a solid defensive record but a weaker offensive profile.

The article notes that while the Cubs have not officially turned their attention to any of these names, the organization remains open to exploring short‑term deals that could provide a “chopping block” to keep the pitching staff safe from base‑stealing threats.

Minor‑League Prospects and Internal Options

In addition to free‑agent talks, the Sporting News article follows links to the Cubs’ minor‑league scouting reports. The key internal target is Jace Biddle, a 22‑year‑old catcher in the Midwest League who is showing promising defensive chops. In 2023, Biddle caught 35% of attempted steals and posted a .295 batting average with 8 home runs in 71 games. The Cubs’ scouting director, Dan Luecke, is quoted as saying that Biddle “has a natural knack for framing pitches” and could be “a long‑term solution” if Siani’s performance declines.

The article also references a Chicago Tribune piece that tracked Biddle’s development: “Biddle’s arm has the strength and accuracy that will translate well at the major‑league level,” the Tribune wrote. These internal options give the Cubs flexibility to either sign a veteran or invest in a younger prospect.

The “Chopping Block” Analogy

What does “chopping block” actually mean in this context? The Sporting News piece explains that the term is used figuratively to refer to a catcher who acts as a defensive “block” against base‑stealers. In baseball parlance, a “chopping block” is someone who is able to “chop” the ball or “block” the steal—essentially a catcher who is defensively reliable, strong on the arm, and able to keep the opposition’s offense in check. By adding such a player, the Cubs can reduce the number of stolen bases and free up pitchers to focus on their deliveries without worrying about the catcher’s ability to deter runners.

What the Offseason Could Look Like

The article outlines a few possible scenarios based on current data:

• Scenario 1: The Cubs sign a veteran like Rojas or Arozarena for a short‑term contract, giving Siani a reliable backup and potentially reducing his defensive workload.
• Scenario 2: The Cubs promote Jace Biddle to the big‑league roster, investing in a younger catcher who can develop with the team’s pitching rotation.
• Scenario 3: The Cubs hold off on any significant change, trusting Siani’s offensive upside to outweigh his defensive limitations.

While no decision has been made, the article indicates that Shildt is in the “process of evaluating both sides of the coin” and that the team wants a “catcher who can handle the work load and still contribute at the plate.”

Bottom Line

The Sporting News coverage, supplemented by additional links to MLB.com, Spotrac, and the Chicago Tribune, paints a picture of a Cubs front office that is serious about strengthening its catching department. Whether the club chooses a veteran free agent or a promising prospect, the underlying goal is clear: find a “chopping block” to protect the pitching staff and add offensive depth. As the offseason unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see if the Cubs secure a new catcher who can keep the opposition from stealing runs and bring fresh energy to the lineup.