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It could be time for the young guns to step up
There is not a strong free agent catching market this winter. Alex Avila and Jonathan Lucroy are likely seeking starting jobs, while players like Geovany Soto and Carlos Ruiz could be more trouble than they are worth.
For that reason, the 2018 season may be the passing of the baton to a younger, more home-grown group of Cubs’ players.
Any in-house option that the Cubs could come up with would be cheaper than the amount that would have to be paid to a veteran guy like A.J. Ellis. Now that Contreras has a couple of seasons under his belt, the need for a veteran mentor may be gone.
Nevertheless, if the Cubs do decide to stick with their in-house options, there is always the option of signing or trading for a veteran backstop at some point during the season.
Next: Chicago Cubs: 2017 – the year the Cubs were reigning world champions
Right now, the Cubs have options in regards to what route to take for the upcoming season. Whatever the decision becomes, know this. Contreras is primed to break out in 2018, which could limit the role of a backup, no matter who it is.