Cubs' catching corps returns, but it could look different

MESA, Ariz. — Carson Kelly paused before analyzing what he could do to replicate his sensational first half in 2025.

“Look back at video and see what you did,” Kelly replied. “There were some ups and downs like every year. But this offseason, just evaluated where did it go wrong a little bit, how can we prevent doing down that downward spiral.”

Manager Craig Counsell likes the quality and depth of the Cubs’ catching. Kelly hit 12 home runs, drove in 33, posted a .376 on-base percentage and .899 OPS in the first half.

That production was necessary because Miguel Amaya suffered an oblique strain on May 24 that sidelined him for 2 1/2 months - about one month more than initially projected. Amaya sprained his ankle in his first game back on Aug. 13 and never returned.

Moises Ballesteros, 22, batted .333 in 39 at-bats after a Sept. 1 promotion and gained notoriety for successfully challenging seven calls with automated ball-strike system in two consecutive games.

But Ballesteros lacks the experience and the defensive tools of Kelly and Amaya. And Kelly, 31, slipped to a .218 batting average and .596 OPS in the second half.

“There were a couple mechanical changes that needed to be made, and I think we pinpointed where it went wrong a little bit,” Kelly said. “I was in a worse position than I was earlier. It’s crazy how any little thing can make you just a little bit off.”

Kelly still managed one of the best offensive seasons of his career. He also caught a career high 105 games, but that could dip this season if Amaya, who posted a .281 batting average and .814 OPS in 103 plate appearances, can stay healthy.

“(Amaya) was very productive while he played,” Counsell said. “Carson had arguably his best season as a major leaguer. I don't know what that tells us about this year, but I think we've got some catchers with the ability to produce offensively.

“We have Bally involved in this too. So I think we're we have a good I think we have a good catching situation.”

Counsell also pointed to the continuity of the catchers and becoming familiar with the coaching staff as well as their “system.”

“That makes things a lot easier,” Counsell added. “I think we’re in a very good position.”

To Kelly’s credit, he resurrected his career prior to the 2025 season with an offseason program that addressed his hitting and defense. And he maintained a conditioning program that kept him healthy for the duration of 2025.

His ability to adjust behind the plate fortified a solid relationship with the pitching staff. He improved with a one-knee set up that he employed in 2023-24 in Detroit under manager (and former catcher) A.J. Hinch and catching coach Ryan Sienko.

“Being a student of the game, as players we continue to learn,” Kelly said. “The day we stop learning is the day we get closer to the end.”

After joining the Cubs, Kelly gained more knowledge from 82-year-old special assistant/catching guru Jerry Weinstein.

“Jerry has been phenomenal,” Kelly said. “I’ve been blessed to have good coaches and a lot of people who take pride in what they do and sharing their knowledge.”