Chicago Cubs Have Discussed Adding All-Star Free Agent Catcher

The Chicago Cubs have reportedly had internal conversations about adding Christian Vázquez in MLB free agency after the departure of Willson Contreras.

Kade Kistner | Nov 17, 2022

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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Published Nov 17, 2022

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.