Kyle Higashioka's contract suggests Cubs may have to pony up for backup catcher

As improvements to the team's pitching staff appear to be the main focus of the Chicago Cubs' offseason, the team is expected to remain in the market for a catcher.

Last month, the Cubs traded for former first-round pick Matt Thaiss after he was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels after the signing of Travis d"Arnaud. Given the struggles that Thaiss had had over the course of his career, there was an expectation that his arrival wouldn't preclude the Cubs from adding a more established veteran catcher to split time with Miguel Amaya at the Major League level.

On Monday, one of those options for the Cubs came off the board. Kyle Higashioka inked a two-year deal with the Texas Rangers.

In recent weeks, Higashioka had been identified as a potential option for the Cubs. There is money to be had this offseason if you're a backup catcher and the Cubs may be forced to act sooner if they want to have the timeshare at the catching position in 2025 that they were envisioning.

A reminder that while Moises Ballesteros is a fast-rising prospect in the Cubs' farm system, the Cubs have reservations about him being a regular catcher. It seems that his role on the 2025 roster will be that of a third catcher, potentially starting once a week, but his bat could also make him an option as a designated hitter depending on the matchup.

Two names that remain on the market for the Cubs as potential veteran options at catcher are Danny Jansen and Carson Kelly. Jansen has more of an offensive upside compared to Kelly and would be a favorable matchup against left-handed starting pitchers over Amaya. Kelly would be a direction the Cubs could go in if they want to double down on their run-prevention ideology.