Chicago Cubs: What happens at first base if Anthony Rizzo goes down?

Chicago Cubs: Needing a backup catcher, Caratini could fill both roles

On multiple occasions this offseason, we pointed to Victor Caratini as a potential backup to Willson Contreras. Of course, the Cubs lost both Rene Rivera and Alex Avila to free agency and, although both remain available, money could be better spent elsewhere (pitching).

According to Baseball America, Caratini ranks as the fourth-best Chicago prospect – and second-best position player prospect. At some point, the Cubs will have to bite the bullet and give him a chance in the big leagues.

Last season, he absolutely decimated Triple-A pitching to the tune of a .342/.393/.558 slash-line. He didn’t put up numbers quite that prophetic when he joined the Cubs in Chicago, but this guy can flat-out play. A talented player on both sides of the ball, he may be the next solid talent to ascend to the big leagues for Epstein and company.

Without a clear backup to Rizzo on the roster, Caratini may be the perfect fit. He could give Willson Contreras a blow a couple times a week, back up Rizzo and give Joe Maddon a switch-hitter off the bench. It almost makes too much sense for the Cubs to look elsewhere.