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Cubs may have a logical Carson Kelly replacement hiding in free agency

Austin Hedges could be a decent option for the Cubs' catching needs.
ByRich Eberwein
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Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA;Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) runs after hitting a two run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA;Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) runs after hitting a two run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Carson Kelly is one of the main position player free agents the Chicago Cubs have to replace this winter. Although bringing back Kelly makes a ton of sense, the team may opt for a cheaper option as they wait for Owen Ayers — who is a top-10 catching prospect — to crack the majors. Former Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges could be the perfect stopgap for 2027 to pair with Miguel Amaya.

Hedges, 34, is a veteran entering his 13th MLB season. He spent the last three years with the Cleveland Guardians and made three straight trips to the postseason with them. Offensively, Hedges would be a definite downgrade from Kelly. Although Hedges had a respectable (as far as numbers for catchers) .247/.325/.377 slash line last year, this was the best year he's had with the bat by far. If the Cubs sign him, they can't even expect Hedges to bring his 2026 numbers to the table because it was clearly an outlier season for him.

The Cubs might be willing to take the offensive dip since Hedges will undoubtedly be cheaper than Kelly. Plus, he would likely serve as Amaya's backup, and Ayers should get his major league callup sometime in 2027, barring an injury or trade.

Carson Kelly is the preference, but Cubs may be forced to pivot to Austin Hedges

With all that being said, I think Kelly is still the guy Jed Hoyer would prefer to have. His bat is much better, he's been Chicago's primary backstop for the last two seasons, and he has been a popular player among fans. The main drawback is that Kelly will likely want a multi-year deal, which the Cubs may not want to give him with Ayers on the horizon and so many pitching needs to address in free agency.

Defensively, the team wouldn't look too different behing the plate. Hedges and Kelly had similar marks in allowing in CS above average (-3 for Hedges, -4 for Kelly), pop time (1.94 for Hedges, 1.96 for Kelly), and catcher framing runs (2 for Hedges, 1 for Kelly). Kelly does have the edge in blocks above average (6 to Hedges' -3) and ABS challenges won (69% to Hedges 51%).

This is a weak free agent class for catchers, and Kelly and Hedges are near the top of it alongside Tyler Stephenson. The Cubs need to land one of the three this winter to buy time for Ayers.

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