Inside The Cubs

Report: Top Free Agent Catcher Snubbed Chicago Cubs for Twins

The Chicago Cubs heavily pursued catcher Christian Vázquez but were snubbed by the catcher when he chose the Minnesota Twins.
Kade Kistner|
Report: Top Free Agent Catcher Snubbed Chicago Cubs for Twins
Report: Top Free Agent Catcher Snubbed Chicago Cubs for Twins

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Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs just cannot catch a break. They have gone out and signed some of "their" guys this winter, but on a number of free agents they have fallen just short. The latest is catcher Christian Vázquez after he snubbed the Cubs in favor of the Minnesota Twins.

In a recent interview, ESPN's Jesse Rogers said that Vázquez was offered the same deal by the Cubs and Twins, but ultimately chose Minnesota and their three-year, $30 million deal over Chicago. 

Since the departure of Willson Contreras, buzz has surrounded the Cubs and their potential to sign one of the remaining top options on the market such as Vázquez. The former Boston Red Sox and Houston Astro has a career slashline of .261/.310/.386 over the course of parts of eight seasons. 

It is hard to fault Chicago and the front office as it appears they are trying to attain some of the top talent available. They are offering comparable deals and competing in the top end of the market.

However, as shown in this Vázquez case, they are coming up just short. Much of that could have to do with their status as a "re-tooling" team and their potential for contention. In a situation like the Cubs find themselves in, they will have to pay premium to bring in free agents, much like the Texas Rangers had to do.

But, that is the way to pushing through the ceiling and onto the next level. Chicago is just learning the hard way.

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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