Carson Kelly quietly put together the best season of his career in 2025, and it wasn’t just a case of getting hot for a few weeks. The 31-year-old catcher gave the Cubs a steady presence behind the plate and a surprisingly productive bat, finishing with a 3.6 bWAR and a .249/.333/.428 slash line. He added 17 home runs and 50 RBI across 421 plate appearances - strong numbers for a backstop who entered the year as more of a depth option than a centerpiece.
No, he’s not Cal Raleigh - few are - but Kelly’s 2025 campaign was a legitimate leap forward. It nearly doubled his career WAR total and surpassed his previous high-water mark of 2.1 bWAR back in 2021. He even hit for the cycle in March, a rare feat for a catcher and a clear sign that something was clicking early on.
Defensively, Kelly brought real value. His 777 putouts ranked fifth in the National League, his .998 fielding percentage was elite, and his 34.3% caught-stealing rate was second-best in the NL. In an era where run prevention behind the plate is as important as ever, those numbers matter - especially for a Cubs team that’s still figuring out its long-term plan at catcher.
That plan likely centers around Miguel Amaya, who’s expected to take on the starting role as the season progresses. Amaya’s offensive ceiling is higher, and the Cubs are clearly invested in his development.
But durability has been a concern - freak injuries have slowed his path more than once - and that’s where Kelly becomes more than just a placeholder. If he can replicate even most of what he did last year, he’s not just a backup; he’s a legitimate asset.
There’s reason to believe that kind of performance is sustainable. Some of the adjustments Kelly made at the plate - more selective swings, improved contact rates - suggest this wasn’t just a fluke. Analysts have pointed out that his 2025 production came from tangible changes, not just good luck, which makes a repeat in 2026 a realistic goal.
Looking ahead, Kelly’s role will likely shrink a bit. A .240 average, 10 homers, and 35 RBI in a reduced workload - say, 40% of the playing time - would still make him a valuable contributor, especially if his glove stays sharp.
The Cubs have a $7.5 million mutual option on him for 2027, with a $1.5 million buyout. If he delivers another solid year, that option becomes a real conversation, particularly if Amaya needs time or if Moises Ballesteros doesn’t take a step forward defensively.
For now, Kelly gives the Cubs something every team wants: a veteran catcher who can hold down the fort, call a strong game, and chip in with the bat. He may not be the long-term answer, but in 2026, he’s part of the solution.