Chicago Cubs: Kurt Suzuki could represent a solid back-up option

Chicago Cubs: Examining other free agent options

Outside of the outfield positions, catcher is the most depth-friendly skill position for free-agency heading into the 2019 campaign. It bodes well for the Cubs in the opportunity to acquire a low-cost backup option.

Yasmani Grandal leads the pack outright. However, he will easily command the most money on the open market. This season, Grandal played on a one-year, $7.9 million contract. At just 29 years old, he will undoubtedly garner significant interest from teams willing to shell out starter-level money.

Wilson Ramos is the second-best available free-agent catcher. However his contract with Tampa Bay this season paid him $10.5 million. Ramos is four years younger than Suzuki, however, produced just 0.4 more WAR than the vet, and was $7 million more expensive.

The remaining free agent catchers are not worth the Cubs time if we’re honest. It leaves Kurt Suzuki as the best possible option for the Cubs, as he cost just $3.5 million last season for the Atlanta Braves and will give the Cubs a solid chance to bring him on board for cheap. Theo and company should pull the trigger on Kurt Suzuki.