The Chicago Cubs may be staring at the possibility of losing a useful piece of their lineup when the offseason arrives.
Carson Kelly, who is in the second season of a two-year deal with Chicago, has been identified by FanSided’s Robert Murray as an “under-the-radar” impending free agent. Kelly’s contract also includes a mutual option for 2027, though Murray noted that it likely won’t come into play.
“This winter, Carson Kelly is in a position to capitalize. He has a mutual option for 2027, but those are never exercised, meaning he will become a free agent,” Murray wrote last week.
Kelly’s case is built on steady production. Murray pointed to back-to-back strong seasons, with the catcher hitting .254/.336/.404 with 25 home runs and 95 RBI. That kind of offensive line should put him in line for a multi-year deal once free agency opens.
For the Cubs, Kelly has provided exactly the sort of power teams hope to get from behind the plate. The 11-year veteran has long been one of the more dangerous offensive catchers around, including an 18-homer season with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019 and 17 home runs in his first year with Chicago.
Defensively, he brings value in one area and a limitation in another. Kelly is described as a superb blocker, but his pop time ranks near the bottom of the Majors.
A second-round pick in 2012, Kelly turned 32 in July, which could mean he has only a few more years before shifting fully to first base.
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