Chicago Cubs 2022 catching plans need adjustment

The Chicago Cubs found themselves in an interesting spot at catcher. Willson Contreras is the starter behind the plate, but he is a year away from free agency. The Cubs had attempted to trade him during the last offseason but ended up changing their minds. Even with their firesale, Contreras remained on the roster as the Cubs held on to one of their assets.

Any thoughts of trading Contreras have to be placed on hold for now. Miguel Amaya, considered the heir apparent behind the plate, needs Tommy John surgery and will miss the majority, if not all, of the 2022 campaign.

Chicago Cubs need to reconsider plans at catcher spot

One could see this surgery coming. The forearm strain that Amaya had been suffering is a precursor for Tommy John surgery in pitchers, and considering that catchers are also asked to throw the ball often, can suffer from the same maladies. While it is understandable that the Cubs would want to see if the strain would have healed on its own, they have also wasted months of possible recovery time.

This leaves the Cubs in a difficult spot. Contreras and Amaya had been the only catchers on the Cubs’ 40 man roster. It is highly likely that they would have added another catcher, either in free agency or a trade, but there are few viable options on the market. Amaya was clearly not ready for the majors; although his excellent strikeout and walk rates continued in Double-A, he also had just 17 hits, with four doubles and a homer, in 106 plate appearances.

At the same time, any possible trade discussions involving Contreras have to be placed on hold. Unless the Cubs are able to add another starting caliber catcher in a trade, Contreras will be the Opening Day backstop for 2022.

In the end, this could be a positive for the Cubs going forward. They are aiming to contend in 2022 and having Contreras behind the plate will help. Likewise, Amaya will not be forced into a situation that he is not ready for. Now they just need to find a backup catcher and some organizational depth.

Miguel Amaya is set to undergo Tommy John surgery. This may force a change of plans at catcher as far as a Willson Contreras trade would be concerned.