Ranking Cubs replacement options for Carson Kelly if his free agency price soars

The Chicago Cubs are going to be focused on constructing a starting rotation this offseason, and if they have time before the lockout, find replacements for Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki. It also can't be forgotten that Carson Kelly is a free agent, and if the Cubs don't bring him back, that would be a significant loss for both the starting lineup and pitching staff.

There should be a desire from the Cubs to bring Kelly back. He posted a wRC+ above 100 in each of his two seasons in Chicago, and flirted with being an All-Star in 2025. His skills behind the plate also match the Cubs' run-prevention model, and he's been credited as an asset for the team's pitching staff. Those are all reasons for the Cubs to make his return a priority this offseason, but the reality is they will need to map out their starting rotation first.

Ranking the Cubs' options at catcher this offseason if Carson Kelly has to be replaced

Until the Cubs have multiple starting pitchers added this offseason, it feels unlikely that they will focus on anything else, including the idea of bringing Kelly back. For the reasons that the Cubs would want him back, Kelly is expected to have a healthy free-agent market.

Potential catcher options that the Cubs should pass on for 2027

• Ryan Jeffers (free agent)
• Hunter Goodman (trade)
• Tyler Stephenson (free agent)

Ryan Jeffers is arguably the best catcher available this offseason, and it's largely tied to his offense. He hit 14 home runs in 92 games with the Minnesota Twins in 2026, posting a wRC+ of 128. There was a healthy amount of interest in Jeffers at the trade deadline, and it would seem that will be the case this offseason. While there could be an argument that adding a bat-first catcher is one was for the Cubs to replace the production lost by Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ's potential departures, the Cubs have a type when it comes to catchers and it's someone who fits their run-prevention strategy. Jeffers wouldn't be that.

On the trade market, Colorado Rockies' catcher Hunter Goodman is likely the best available option. He's hit 72 home runs over the last two years and is under control through the 2029 season. For that reason, it would be a very costly trade, and considering the needs the Cubs have across their pitching staff, they aren't in a position to give that much prospect capital for a catcher.

Like Jeffers with the Twins, Tyler Stephenson was thought to be a trade candidate at the deadline, but the Cincinnati Reds opted to hold onto him. Stephenson has had modest offensive success with the Reds, and tat's going to generate some interest, but he's considered a liability behind the plate. For that reason, the Cubs likely won't have much interest.

These are the prime catchers targets that the Cubs should be going after this offseason

• Austin Hedges
• Jake Rogers
• Carson Kelly

If the Cubs are going to replace Carson Kelly, the hunch is they wouldn't be looking for someone who can step in and become the immediate starter. On some level, I think the Cubs are comfortable with the idea of Miguel Amaya and Owen Ayers being their catching tandem in 2027, but they would want another veteran added to the mix.

Austin Hedges is some to keep in mind He's notoriously been a glove-first catcher over the course of his career, and his been with the Cleveland Guardians since 2020. Like the Cubs, the Guardians value a catcher who can work with a pitching staff and become an asset behind the plate. Hedges would check that box for the Cubs, and should be available on a one-year deal.

Similar to Hedges, Rogers is a glove-first catcher and should be in line with what the Cubs would be looking for on the free-agent market. Along those lines, it should be stated that good starting catchers are rarely available in free agency, and that brings us to our final point.

Carson Kelly. The Cubs know what they had in Kelly and know what they wouldn't have if he is playing elsewhere. Kelly is the best fit for what the Cubs would be looking for at catcher, and even if the front office's models don't agree with the type of contract, this one instance where the Cubs should be willing to step outside of their comfort zone.

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