Willson Contreras had spoiled the Chicago Cubs together with his mixture of energy batting and strong protection.
Whereas Contreras had his points with grounding out, he gave the staff some strong RBI manufacturing as a catcher.
Nonetheless, the staff made their resolution to maneuver on from the star catcher for 2023.
As a substitute, the staff is specializing in two catchers they signed in the course of the offseason to fill the catcher place.
These gamers are Tucker Barnhart and Yan Gomes.
Gomes has been with the Cubs since final season whereas the Cubs received Barnhart this offseason.
The #Cubs right this moment agreed to phrases with catcher Tucker Barnhart on a two-year main league contract.
Welcome to Chicago, @Tucker_Barnhart! pic.twitter.com/eYJuVE8ViC
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 29, 2022
Nonetheless, they’re extra identified for his or her protection than offensive manufacturing.
Whereas Gomes has manufacturing on the plate, he hasn’t performed over 110 video games for the reason that 2018 season.
It was throughout that season the place he made his solely All-Star look.
For Barnhart, he’s a two time Gold Glove Award winner, which he received with the Cincinnati Reds.
Cincinnati has a wealthy historical past of nice catchers. We can be honoring that historical past weekly. Kicking it off is 2 time Gold Glove Winner Tucker Barnhart
–@Tucker_Barnhart #redscatching pic.twitter.com/VhzgTS1KGO— Cincinnati Reds Catching (@redscatching) October 18, 2022
Nonetheless, he’s not the facility hitter that Contreras was in Chicago.
With two fewer years within the majors, Contreras has 13 extra hits, eight extra doubles, and 65 extra dwelling runs over Barnhart.
In comparison with Gomes, who has 708 extra plate appearances over Contreras, the numbers are nonetheless tight.
The 35-year-old catcher solely has eight extra dwelling runs over his former teammate, and solely 37 extra doubles.
Nonetheless, for the Cubs, they seem to desire a stronger displaying on protection with their catching choices.
Whereas this is sensible with their different signings this offseason, the transfer nonetheless hurts followers.
When the 2023 MLB season will get into full swing, followers will see if the transfer at catcher was the appropriate selection.
