Cubs insider drops early offseason clues on Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly futures

The primary focus for the Chicago Cubs is obviously on preparing the roster for a deep postseason run in October, but this time of year, it's only natural from some clues to emerge about what the team's intentions are for the offseason.

That's more or less the premise of the latest piece from The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma. The piece is largely centered around Miguel Amaya, and the conclusion that he's going to be an important piece to the 2027 roster.

There were several other tidbits that Sharma crept into the story. The first being that Owen Ayers could be with the Cubs by the end of the season, but also an early read on what the future may hold for Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly.

Sharma notes that the focus for the Cubs this offseason will be on adding pitching, but in part, noted that the Suzuki could be priced out of the Cubs' interest level. The premise being that if the Cubs plan on spending heavy on pitching in free agency, with Suzuki positioned to be one of the better bats available, the match for a reunion may not be there.

Both Suzuki and Ian Happ are free agents this offseason. Between the two, it's fair to assume that Suzuki's return would make more sense for the Cubs. That said, for those same reasons, Suzuki is bound to be a more attractive option on the open market than Happ. Perhaps that does leave the door open for the Cubs and Happ finding ground a discounted deal, but again, the thin free-agent market won't do the team any favors.

Cubs preparing to be without Carson Kelly after the 2026 season

As for Kelly, Sharma notes that the idea of the veteran catcher returning to the Cubs can't be ruled out. That being said, the Cubs insider also notes the Cubs are preparing for the 2027 season as if Kelly won't be on the roster. Hence the reason why Ayers could get an early look before the end of this season.

Like Suzuki, Kelly is positioned to be one of the best free agents available at his position this offseason. That could make a reunion difficult, considering the Cubs may not want to go to the top of the market to bring Kelly back.

In part, this could be the reason why the Cubs' front office acted with urgency for this season at the deadline. The contention window won't be closed for the Cubs in 2027, but it's clear the roster is going to look very different at key positions.

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