Cubs sign catcher Carson Kelly to two-year deal

After making progress on a deal in winter meetings, the Cubs and catcher Carson Kelly have agreed to a two-year contract, the team announced Friday. The Cubs did not release the terms of the deal, but sources confirmed it’s worth $11.5 million guaranteed.

Finding another catcher to pair with up-and-coming Miguel Amaya was a priority for the Cubs entering the offseason. With Kelly, they get a former second-round draft pick who has played for four different teams in his nine-year career.

Kelly, 30, had a career resurgence in Detroit, after fracturing his forearm with the Diamondbacks in spring training of 2023 and being released in August. With the Tigers, he made significant changes on both defense and offense that paid off last season. He hit .240 with a .716 OPS. And as Jack Flaherty’s personal catcher, he helped guide the veteran right-hander to a 2.95 ERA before the Tigers traded them both at the deadline — Kelly to the Rangers and Flaherty to the Dodgers.

“I think it’s important that we add somebody that has experience,” manager Craig Counsell said this week. “Miguel showed at times last year that he should be the guy. And other times he showed us, he needs a break. I think Miguel is going to still have the opportunity to … be a guy that is a regular contributor. But it’s also important for us to have a backup plan. We’re going to make sure we have a really good plan for that.”

The Cubs laid the groundwork to sign Kelly earlier this week. And after they executed a four-player trade to acquire All-Star right fielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros, they had the roster space to officially add Kelly.

Kelly’s contract includes a $7.5 million mutual option for 2027, with a $1.5 million buyout, according to a source. Each year, including 2027, he can earn a $250,000 bonus for starting 81 games and an additional $250,000 for starting 91 games.

In terms of catching depth, the Cubs also acquired catcher Matt Thaiss from the Angels for cash in late November. But Thaiss, 29, has less than 250 games-worth of major-league experience.