The catchers (3):
Miguel Amaya
2021 stats (in AA): 106 PA, 23 G, 1 HR, .215/.406/.304, 117 wRC+
2022 FGDC projections: N/A
22 years old and the #4 Cubs prospect in 2021 (per MLB.com), Miguel Amaya missed the vast majority of last season after injuring his right elbow in June. Unfortunately for both Amaya and Cubs fans alike, the promising young catcher is set to miss the entire 2022 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The good news is that catchers such as Salvador Perez, Matt Wieters, Travis d’Arnaud and Christian Vazquez have undergone TJS and returned to their pre-surgery selves. Amaya will most likely be out until the 2023 season.
Willson Contreras
2021 stats: 483 PA, 128 G, 21 HR, .237/.340/.438, 109 wRC+, 2.1 fWAR
2022 FGDC projections: 574 PA, 141 G, 24 HR, .239/.336/.436, 107 wRC+, 2.3 fWAR
With the departures of Baez, Rizzo, Schwarber and Bryant, Willson Contreras now finds himself atop the list of “Cubs most likely to be traded.” The odds of him finishing the upcoming season in Chicago are very slim. The 29-year old backstop struck out more last year than he ever has before and his overall offensive numbers were down from his career-norm, but he is still a widely respected catcher who posted 3.0 oWAR and 1.8 dWAR last season.
Yan Gomes
2021 stats (between Washington and Oakland): 375 PA, 103 G, 14 HR, .252/.301/.421, 93 wRC+, 1.6 fWAR
2022 FGDC projections: 284 PA, 71 G, 10 HR, .247/.302/.414, 88 wRC+, 0.9 fWAR
Yan Gomes‘ best years are likely behind him but the 34-year-old still has something left in the tank. Recently signed to a two-year contract, Gomes will be Contreras’ replacement should he be dealt. 2022 will be his 11th season in the big leagues and he has earned the title of “veteran presence” in the clubhouse. More than 10 home runs and a reliable backup catcher is what the Cubs wanted from Gomes and that is exactly what they’ll get.