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This isn’t really a new idea, but back in October I brought up that the Cubs definitely need to find another backup catcher. I’m not sure if Victor Caratini was another victim of Chili Davis’ hitting philosophy that plagued most of the team, but he just doesn’t do it for me backing up Willson Contreras. Oh and by the way, Contreras obviously has to be better in 2019 than he was this last season too.
With that in mind, you obviously look at who’s available in free agency and Kurt Suzuki was near the top of the list for what the Cubs need if the team was willing to pay a good chunk of change for another catcher.
On Monday, the 35-year-old, who played with the Braves the last two seasons, signed a two-year deal with the Nationals worth $10 million.
Breaking: Kurt Suzuki has agreed to a two-year deal with the Nationals.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) November 19, 2018
Follow our new Twitter account for real-time updates and in-depth analysis of all things Chicago Cubs.
Kurt Suzuki deal with #Nationals is two years, $10M, sources say – $4M in 2019, $6M in 2020. Agreement first reported by @Feinsand.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 19, 2018
Suzuki has mainly been a contact hitter for most of his career, but I guess he’s adapted in the last two years and his power numbers have rapidly increased. From 2012-16, he hit 28 home runs, but in the last two years Suzuki hit 31 dingers with Atlanta, slugging a career best. 536 in 2017.
One veteran catcher off of market and Cub-list. Chicago will add one this off season to back up Willson Contreras
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) November 19, 2018
So, he’s off the board and so is veteran catcher Jeff Mathis, who signed with the Rangers. Mathis is more known for his defense and pitch framing.
Yet, there are still plenty of other veteran options available for the Cubs, who I still believe will look to improve behind the plate and maybe even sign a catcher to give Contreras more of a breather throughout the season than a traditional backup. Although, hopefully Contreras has a good bounce back year and that additional time off isn’t needed.
