3 Cubs free agent fits to replace Carson Kelly, 1 internal solution already in the mix

Carson Kelly has been everything the Chicago Cubs hoped for, and more, since the start of the 2025 season. After signing a two-year, $11.5 million deal with the team, the veteran has served as the primary handler of the pitching staff and has delivered above-average production at the plate, rounding out a skillset that should make him one of the more attractive free agent catchers available this winter.

Although a reunion can't be ruled out, according to The Athletic (subscription required), the Cubs are planning for life without the former first-rounder in 2027. Miguel Amaya figures to assume the top spot on the depth chart after backing up Kelly again this season, but they'll need to backfill behind the plate if they lose Kelly.

They could look internally, shop on the free agent market or maybe a combination of the two. Here are some names to keep an eye on as we start to look ahead to the offseason.

3 free agent catchers the Cubs could target to replace Carson Kelly

Before we dive in, let me preface this list with the logic behind it. All signs point to Owen Ayers getting a long look next year. That, paired with Amaya's presence, make it highly likely the Cubs look to the bargain bin here instead of shopping at the top of the market (which would be a Kelly reunion). So while these names aren't necessarily sexy, they add a safety net under Ayers and give another veteran sounding board in the clubhouse.

Travis d'Arnaud

A former All-Star and Silver Slugger, Travis d'Arnaud's best days are behind him. Poised to turn 38 next spring, the 14-year MLB veteran is in the twilight of his career - and he could be a perfect backup to Amaya in Chicago next season. He's spent the last two years with the Los Angeles Angels in a part-time role and is definitely suited for backup duties at this point.

He's got postseason experience on his resume from his time both with the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves, the latter of which he won a World Series with, which could prove valuable for a team with annual October aspirations like the Cubs.

James McCann

Former Chicago White Sox All-Star James McCann, like d'Arnaud' is on the back nine of his big-league career. Defensive metrics aren't high on him at this stage of the game, but he's long been decently regarded as a handler and has impeccable clubhouse credentials.

This year, he's played sparingly for the Arizona Diamondbacks, posting a 113 OPS+ in just 113 plate appearances. The 36-year-old backstop has bounced around the league, playing for Arizona, Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit and New York over his 13-year career and would bring a lot of the same veteran qualities as d'Arnaud to the Cubs' clubhouse.

Jonah Heim

Unlike the other two potential free-agent fits on this list, Jonah Heim probably has some more legs to his career. He's just 31 and is a former All-Star and Gold Glover. I'm sure more than a few teams will look to him as a bounceback candidate this offseason and I wouldn't be surprised if the Cubs are among them.

He's been mentioned as a speculative trade fit for the team in the past (pre-Carson Kelly) and graded out as an above-average framer as recently as 2024. Heim has struggled offensively in recent years (77 OPS+ since the start of '24), but if you're looking for a backup plan, you could do worse.

The elephant in the room is a fast-rising Cubs catching prospect

Owen Ayers

OK, that brings us to the big name and the X-factor in all of this in Cubs prospect Owen Ayers. Ayers tore through the organization this year, climbing from High-A to Triple-A, positioning himself as a potential September call-up candidate in the process.

He continues to hit (although he's yet to re-discover his power stroke at Iowa) and the Cubs would like nothing better than for Ayers to be the long-term answer behind the plate. How much faith the front office is willing to put in him remains to be seen. Prior to this year, he had one full professional season under his belt and the results left something to be desired. But if they push their chips in on him, Ayers makes sense as Amaya's partner handling catching duties in 2027.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow