For all the talk about shortstop, starting pitching and center field, don’t discount catcher among the Cubs’ offseason needs.
With team president Jed Hoyer saying he “absolutely” wants to compete in 2023 following back-to-back disappointing seasons, there’s reason to believe the Cubs have to get better this winter.
Not only that, but get better while also backfilling the loss of three-time All-Star starter Willson Contreras as he leaves in free agency.
“It’s a two-way position,” Hoyer said at the GM Meetings. “Obviously, you want guys who can hit, but it’s also a run-prevention position.
Contreras is the top free agent catcher on the market this winter.
Here are five who could be options for the Cubs.
Christian Vázquez
Omar Narvaez
Mike Zunino
Austin Hedges
Tucker Barnhart
The metrics weren’t kind in 2022 to Barnhart, whom the Tigers acquired from the Reds last winter. He posted -6 Defensive Runs Saved and rated as a negative framer, according to FanGraphs.
That said, Barnhart was working with a less-than-championship-caliber pitching staff in Detroit and has a reputation as one of the game’s better defensive backstops. He has two Gold Gloves on his mantle.
His 2022 might knock down his market enough to put him in play with what the Cubs want to spend at the position.
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