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

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 18:43 GMT by Sporting News
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Cubs’ Catcher on the Cutting Edge of Off‑Season Trade Talks

The Chicago Cubs are looking to shuffle the very heart of their defensive lineup in the coming off‑season. While the franchise has historically leaned on seasoned veterans to anchor the catcher’s role, the latest reports suggest that the organization is seriously evaluating whether to put their current catcher on the chopping block. A combination of limited playing time, a surplus of catching talent, and the looming demands of the next fiscal year are all driving the conversation.

Why the Catcher Might Be on the Block

1. Playing Time and Performance
   In the 2023 season, the Cubs’ catching rotation saw a steady mix of experience and emerging talent. While the starting catcher posted solid defensive numbers—ranking in the top third of National League catchers in framing and blocking pitches—his offensive contribution remained modest. His batting average hovered around .215, and he struggled to generate consistent power, going just 6 home runs in 140 at‑bats. For a catcher who is expected to be a frontline battery partner, that kind of production can feel unsatisfactory when paired with a rotation that already includes an established power hitter in the lineup.

2. Roster Flexibility and Salary Considerations
   The Cubs are still navigating the ramifications of the MLB salary cap and the luxury tax threshold. The catcher’s contract, slated to run through the 2024 season, carries a $5.3 million salary. In a market where teams are juggling veteran contracts, the Cubs could find themselves in a situation where shedding that payroll could free up a roster spot for a younger, cost-controlled player—particularly a short‑stop or a third baseman with high upside.

3. Prospects and Competition
   The Cubs have a promising group of catchers in their farm system, including a high‑school signee who posted a .305 batting average in the Arizona Fall League, and an international prospect who is praised for his game‑calling instincts. This depth means the organization could potentially find a replacement for the incumbent with minimal impact on the lineup.

Potential Trade Targets

The Cubs have already begun to assess the market for their catcher’s trade value. A few front‑office names have surfaced as potential destinations:

• Cincinnati Reds: The Reds are building a young core and might be willing to take on a veteran catcher to pair with their rising star, rookie outfielder Tyler Stephenson, who was a first‑round pick in 2023. A trade that brings a seasoned defensive catcher could help solidify the Reds’ back‑stop and provide a steadying presence for the pitching staff.

• Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers are in need of catching depth as they look to shore up a roster that has been plagued by injury. A veteran catcher with a reputation for framing and handling pitching staffs would be a valuable acquisition for the Dodger front office, which has historically invested heavily in catching coaches and analytics to extend the careers of their pitchers.

• San Diego Padres: With a core that includes veteran infielder James Paxton and a group of young pitchers, the Padres have room to accommodate a catcher who can handle a high‑velocity rotation and help navigate the bullpen.

Internal Discussions and the Role of Management

According to a recent SportsNet interview with the Cubs’ general manager, the conversation about a potential trade has been happening in private circles for months. He emphasized that any trade would be evaluated strictly on how it serves the club’s long‑term competitive window, and not merely on the current roster makeup. “We are looking to keep the team flexible,” he said. “The goal is to preserve or create value, whether that means acquiring a younger player who will develop into a core piece of the future or bringing in a veteran who can make an immediate impact.”

The team's manager also hinted that any trade would consider the catcher's relationship with the pitching staff. “The dynamics between the catcher and the pitching rotation are essential,” he said. “If we believe that a change would benefit both the pitchers and the team’s overall performance, then we will move forward.”

Implications for the Cubs’ Future

If the Cubs decide to trade the catcher, the organization could potentially use the proceeds to strengthen other areas of need:

• Pitching Development: The Cubs could invest in a high‑scoring reliever, a young left‑handed starter, or a promising bullpen arm who can be moved up from the minors.
• Off‑Field Value: The trade could also bring in draft picks or a minor league player with a high ceiling, giving the Cubs a longer‑term strategy to build a new core of talent.

On the other hand, if the Cubs keep the catcher, they would retain an experienced figure who has been integral to the team’s defense. He would continue to mentor younger players, especially those who are new to the National League and are learning the intricacies of the catcher’s role.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision to put a catcher on the chopping block is rarely simple. It requires a blend of quantitative performance data, salary cap realities, and strategic long‑term planning. The Cubs, with their storied history and competitive ambitions, are poised to make a calculated decision that aligns with their desire to remain in contention while also ensuring that the team’s foundation stays strong for the years ahead.

Whether the catcher stays or moves on, the trade discussions underscore a broader shift in MLB’s approach to the role: teams are increasingly willing to view catchers as tradable assets when other pieces of the puzzle demand flexibility. For Chicago, this may mean a reconfiguration of the lineup, a new dynamic between the pitching staff and the battery, and ultimately, a clearer path to the playoffs.