REPORT: Chicago Cubs Interested in Free Agent Catcher that isn't Willson Contreras

The Chicago Cubs are showing interest in free agent catcher Christian Vazquez, USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale reports. Vazquez last played for the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox in 2022. The Astros have been linked to Cubs free agent Willson Contreras.

The Chicago Cubs are reportedly interested in a free agent catcher, that isn't seven-year veteran Willson Contreras.

USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale is reporting that the Cubs are 'showing interest' in Christian Vazquez. This report comes just days after The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported that the Houston Astros will meet with Contreras next week at the winter meetings in San Diego, to discuss the potential of signing Contreras to play left field.

It could turn out to be an intriguing free agent swap of catchers this winter:
The Chicago #Cubs are showing strong interest in Houston #Astros free agent catcher Christian Vazquez; the Astros have engaged in early talks with Cubs free agent catcher Willson Contreras.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 1, 2022

Vazquez last played for the Astros in the second half of 2022. Nightengale noted that the two clubs could essentially be flipping backstops with each other.

The Astros were close to acquiring Contreras prior to August's trade deadline, but ended up dealing for Vazquez from the Boston Red Sox instead.

Since making his big league debut in 2014, Vazquez has a career slash line of .261/.310/.695, with 55 career home runs and 276 RBI.

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