CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Cubs have officially made a cost-cutting decision, announcing they have non-tendered 30-year-old catcher Reese McGuire, making him a free agent. The move comes right before the arbitration deadline and is a clear indicator that the team is prioritizing financial flexibility and clear roles for its established catching tandem.
McGuire, who signed a minor league deal with the Cubs in January 2025, made the most of his brief opportunity due to an injury to Miguel Amaya, providing a sudden burst of power from a difficult position.
The Decision: Arbitration Price Tag Too High
Despite an admirable performance in a short stint, the decision to let McGuire walk was strictly financial and driven by a clogged depth chart:
- The Projected Cost: McGuire was entering his final year of arbitration and was projected to earn approximately $1.9 million for the 2026 season, per MLB Trade Rumors.
- The Depth Chart: Paying nearly $2 million for a projected third or fourth catcher was deemed too high, especially with the team already committing to Carson Kelly and the return of the promising young catcher Miguel Amaya. Additionally, top hitting prospect Moisés Ballesteros, who splits time between catcher and designated hitter, figures to be in the MLB mix.
- The Short-Term Success: McGuire performed admirably, particularly for a backup, logging a career-high nine home runs in just 44 games (140 plate appearances) with a respectable $.688$ OPS.
A Heartfelt Farewell and the “Footprint”
McGuire’s emotional farewell statement reflects the gratitude he felt for the brief opportunity to contribute to a competitive Cubs team:
“Although my time with the Cubs was short, every minute on the field with my teammates, the feeling of contributing and fighting for this team will forever be in my heart. I’m thankful for the opportunity and the team’s support.”
While the internal details regarding a “little debt and a fad ‘footprint'” are unclear, the Cubs’ ultimate focus was on streamlining their roster and cutting the projected arbitration cost for a player who would have been an expensive luxury on the bench.
What’s Next for the Cubs and McGuire
- The Cubs’ Need: The team will now look to acquire a low-cost, experienced catcher (likely on a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training) to serve as organizational depth behind Kelly and Amaya, providing a necessary insurance policy at the demanding position.
- McGuire’s Market: Given his ability to hit for power and his left-handed bat, the 30-year-old McGuire should find a robust market for a veteran backup role. Teams in need of a platoon option or a solid third catcher (like the Los Angeles Angels or New York Mets) will likely pursue him quickly.
