Breaking down the Cubs' top 3 free agent catcher options to pair with Miguel Amaya

Danny Jansen brings a patient eye and a thunderous bat

Jansen, 29, like Kelly, was once a top prospect who while never becoming a superstar has carved out a nice career to date. While he's coming off a down year, he might be one of 2025's biggest bounce-back candidates.

On face value, his 89 wRC+ doesn't impress, however, in the three seasons prior to 2024, Jansen posted wRC+ marks of 115, 141, and 105 respectively. Much of his offensive production comes from a solid walk rate, 9.6% for his career, and stellar power production for a catcher with a career ISO of .198.

For a Cubs lineup in need of another potent bat, Jansen could present a solid option to lengthen the lineup at a low cost. However, his defense is more inconsistent which leads to some questions about his overall value.

Last season, he struggled as a framer posting -3 framing runs. In 2023, however, he was above average in this aspect, posting 2 framing runs causing some confusion as to his true talent level behind the dish. When it comes to controlling the run game Jansen's value is more clear. Slow out of his crouch and without a cannon arm, he ranks near the bottom in catcher stealing runs at -3 last year.

All told, Jansen brings value with his plate discipline and power, but defensively is probably slightly below average limiting the total impact he can make. Still, that package of skills is worth something and can help the Cubs improve in an economical way.