Chicago Cubs need to pull the trigger on one more extension
The Chicago Cubs have not been known as a free-spending organization. As a matter of fact, up until this past offseason, Cubs ownership has been blasted for being too conservative and frugal with their money as a major market team.
More News: Chicago Cubs claim another pitcher off waivers, spotlighting roster desperation
That impression has changed somewhat in 2026.
Chicago signed free agent third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract in the offseason. They then reached deals with center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and second baseman Nico Hoerner, signing 6-year deals with both for $115 million and $141 million, respectively.
In total, the Cubs have spent $431 million to secure the team’s foundation for the next several years. But there’s at least one more extension that needs to be explored.
Extend Carson Kelly now
More News: Chicago Cubs roster moves: Assad to Iowa, Blach from Iowa, Harvey to 60-Day IL
Catcher Carson Kelly has been an unsung MVP for this team since he came aboard prior to the 2025 season.
The veteran is currently sporting a slash line of .300/.389/.409 with an OPS of .798 and a WAR of 1.0. He’s also been playing his usual stellar game behind the plate and is brilliant at working with pitchers.
Last season, signed to the team on a 2-year, $11.5 million contract, he helped carry the offense early on with a career-best power run and then settled into the role of steadying anchor the rest of the way. The raw numbers—17 home runs, 50 RBIs, .249 average—don’t come close to telling the full story of how much the team has benefited from Kelly.
The soon-to-be 32-year-old could be a free agent after the end of this season as his contract presents a mutual option. From the Cubs’ side of things, it should be a no-brainer to welcome him back. The team’s other catcher Miguel Amaya has been decent—and was designated the co-starter last season—but Kelly is clearly THE Cubs catcher.
Making the extension work
Realistically, he WILL be well into year 32 by the time 2027 starts, so a four or five-year deal wouldn’t work. Sure, Alex Bregman started this 2026 season as a 32-year-old, but catcher is a much more demanding position than third base. Plus, Bregman has a longer body of successful work.
But Kelly deserves years.
Cole Bair of Bleacher Nation recently expressed this same opinion amid concerns over other Cubs heading into their free agent years:
“There’s understandably been a lot of talk about contract extensions this season with PCA and Nico Hoerner signing, and Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki both set to become free agents after this season. May I lobby for the conversation to heat up about an extension for Kelly? Miguel Amaya has been okay, but Kelly is once again making it clear who the majority of the playing time should go to behind the plate. He’ll turn 32 in July, so does a two-year deal with a team option for a third get it done?”
Two years with an option for a third, with a nice raise for his efforts, sounds about right. The Cubs need to make it happen.
The post Chicago Cubs need to pull the trigger on one more extension appeared first on ChiCitySports.
Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-carson-kelly-contract-extension/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,805,993,739 |
| Stories: | 8,641,818 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
