Chicago Cubs Have Discussed Adding All-Star Free Agent Catcher
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The Chicago Cubs are in need of a starting catcher ahead of the 2023 MLB season. All-Star Willson Contreras declined his qualifying offer that was extended to him by the club, marking the likely end of his tenure with the Cubs.
One name that has reportedly been discussed to replace him, according the The Athletic's Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma, is Christian Vázquez.
It makes sense on a number of levels for Chicago. For starters, they hope to contend next season and having a competent backstop, both offensively and defensively is a necessity.
Vázquez has proven he can effectively call games and work with both young and big-time pitchers alike. At the plate, Vázquez has a career slashline of .261/.310/.386. That is well above average production on the offensive side of the house for the catching position.
His .270 batting average during the 2022 MLB season was third-best among all catchers in MLB (400 min. PA), and his .714 OPS was 10th best.
Behind the dish, Vázquez was trusted with calling Game 6 of the 2022 World Series in which the Houston Astros clinched the championship over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Before his championship run in Houston, he was the trusted catcher with the Boston Red Sox prior to his trade to Houston at the 2022 trade deadline. Needless to say, he has had plenty of responsibility thrust on him and he has thrived.
Vázquez is a champion, a veteran, and a force both on the offensive and defensive side of the house.
Furthermore, he makes more sense financially than bringing Contreras back. Vázquez will likely look for a deal in the three-years, $20 million range. Likewise, Contreras is likely searching for a deal in the four-years, $65 million ballpark.
A significant difference in price tag.
Vázquez would immediately help bolster a young Cubs roster and lineup while also mitigating the loss of Contreras to free agency. He has the tools and experience to work with both their young pitchers such as Justin Steele, Javier Assad, and Hayden Wesneski, as well as any veteran free agent they may try to bring in.
On every level, this type of deal just makes sense for Chicago.
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