The Chicago Cubs appear to be about as cash strapped as any team in Major League baseball. Despite what can only be described as a lack of flexibility, the team is still rumored to be looking for a backup catcher. Because they already have an offensive catcher in the form of Willson Contreras, it appears that any backup catcher is likely to be defense first. Martin Maldonado could be the man who eventually puts on the uniform in Chicago and it could come sooner, rather than later.
Martin Maldonado could cure what ails the Cubs
When it came to the backstop position, a year ago, there were two main problems for Chicago. The first was that Willson Contreras was simply playing too much. This led to greatly reduced offensive production. It also meant that the position was rather below average when it came to defensive metrics.
Contreras is certainly one of the better offensive catchers in the game, at least most of the time. He's someone that can bring some pop in the lineup at a position most other teams can't expect to get offense from. The problem is that he hasn't been bringing much in the way of defense, even with a very good arm.
The overuse of Contreras is likely the reason that he had such a bad 2018. At least the Cubs hope the reason the player had such a bad 2018 is that he played too much. Martin Maldonado could help fix that.
Victor Caratini was the other reason that Contreras had to play a bit too much. Caratini didn't offer all that much at the plate in 2018 or on defense. He also wasn't a particularly good receiver. Joe Maddon apparently decided he needed to make sure he had the best option out there last season.
Chicago Cubs could beef up two players with one acquisition
While getting Maldonado could mean that Contreras can get a bit more rest and the team will have a defensive specialist behind the plate when Martin starts, it should be pointed out that he isn't the light hitting defensive catcher other players have been known to be.
In 2018, Maldonado hit .225 with nine home runs. That's certainly not eye-popping, but it's also not a pushover at the plate. In 2017, he actually had an even better season, as he hit 14 homers. The talk about the Chicago Cubs going after Martin Maldonado makes some sense when you look at what he brings to the table and what he could bring to the team. Now it's just a question as to whether or not the franchise has the money it needs in order to get him under contract before it gets too late into Spring Training.