Cubs catcher in 'strong position' to land excellent free agent contract

The Chicago Cubs could lose a valuable member of their lineup during the offseason. 

FanSided's Robert Murray listed the catcher as an "under-the-radar" impending free agent. 

Backstop Carson Kelly is in the second year of a two-year deal with the Cubs. His contract includes a mutual option for 2027. 

"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. 

"He’s performed very well in back-to-back years, hitting .254/.336/.404 with 25 home runs and 95 RBI, and should be in a strong position to land a multi-year deal in free agency," he added. 

Kelly is an 11-year veteran who has been a good source of power for a catcher throughout his career. 

MORE: Why Chad Tracy has real chance to shed interim manager tag for Red Sox

He hit 18 homers in 2019 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and totaled 17 in his first season with the Cubs. 

On defense, Kelly is a superb blocker but ranks near the bottom of the Majors in pop time. 

The second-round draft pick in 2012 just turned 32 in July, meaning he may have just a few more years before he fully transitions to first base. 

More MLB news:

• Jose Berrios ‘extremely unlikely’ to opt out of $48 million deal with Blue Jays
• Bo Bichette likely not to opt out of Mets $42 million contract
• Yankees predicted to get Aaron Judge back soon, but with a catch
• Kevin McGonigle is runaway favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year for Tigers
• Phillies' Jesus Luzardo on track to be best road pitcher in MLB history since 1913