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This wasn’t really a major storyline in the offseason, but the Cubs were looking to add another veteran catcher into the mix. As of now, the team seems comfortable breaking camp with Victor Caratini as the backup for Willson Contreras. However, they are keeping an eye on the catcher market just in case they find someone else they like.
Veteran catcher Martin Maldonado was on the Cubs’ radar, but he was looking for more playing time, which wasn’t something the Cubs could guarantee with Contreras already cemented as the every-day starter. Maldonado recently signed with the Royals.
According to Patrick Mooney, the Cubs are still trying to add more depth at the catcher position. Besides Contreras and Caratini, Taylor Davis is the only other catcher on the Cubs’ 40-man roster.
Via The Athletic.
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The Cubs are still looking for catching depth, according to a source familiar with the team’s thinking. The Cubs value Victor Caratini for his age-25 potential, offensive profile (.933 career OPS at Triple-A Iowa), switch-hitting ability, defensive versatility and familiarity with the team’s pitching staff and game-planning system. The Cubs are clearly comfortable with Caratini backing up Contreras, but Taylor Davis is the only other catcher on their 40-man roster.
Although it seemed as though Contreras physically wore down in the second half last year, Joe Maddon has indicated that the catcher’s playing time won’t necessarily decrease this season. Maddon called it more mental fatigue than physical that led to decline in performance for Contreras in 2018.
So, it’s not like the Cubs are expecting a lot from the backup position, but so far in parts of two seasons in the majors Caratini hasn’t lived up to his prospect hype. The offense simply hasn’t been there for him, posting a .620 OPS in 240 career MLB at-bats.
A guy like Maldonado would have been perfect for the Cubs, as he’s considered one of the best defensive catchers in the game. Yet, because he wanted more playing time, any talks with the Cubs simply didn’t get far.
But you can expect the Cubs to add another veteran catcher at some point in the season even if it is just for extra depth in case of emergency.
