The Chicago Cubs have officially signed catcher Carson Kelly, a move aimed at bolstering their roster ahead of the upcoming season. The announcement was made on December 9, 2024, confirming that Kelly will bring his experience and skills to the team’s catching position. Cubs’ General Manager Jed Hoyer expressed excitement over the acquisition, stating, ‘Carson brings a dynamic skill set that we believe will greatly benefit our pitching staff and contribute significantly to our team’s overall performance this season.’
Kelly, who had a notable career with the Arizona Diamondbacks, is expected to compete for the starting catching role in Spring Training. His 2023 season saw him playing in 88 games, where he achieved a batting average of .248 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs, showcasing his power and consistency at the plate.
Despite this positive addition, questions remain regarding Hoyer’s strategic approach to other pressing needs within the team. Critics, including sports analysts and fans, have voiced concerns that the Cubs are not adequately addressing their biggest gaps, particularly in pitching and outfield depth. Hoyer was quoted in a recent press conference, downplaying such criticisms by stating, ‘Our focus has been on making targeted improvements, and we believe that Carson is just the beginning of our plans for the offseason.’
The Cubs, who finished the previous season with a record of 77-85, are eager to return to playoff contention and see this signing as a crucial step in their journey towards that goal.
