C Carson Kelly lands two-year deal with Cubs

Field Level Media|published: 12/13/2024, 9:57pm EST

Sep 27, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Carson Kelly (18) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

On the same day they acquired All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade, the Chicago Cubs gave a two-year contract to free agent catcher Carson Kelly on Friday.

The team didn't announce financial terms, but The Athletic and ESPN reported that the deal is worth a total of $11.5 million with a mutual option for 2027. Per The Athletic, Kelly could earn up to another $500,000 in both 2025 and 2026 depending on the number of starts he makes.

Kelly, 30, likely will share the position with Miguel Amaya.

Kelly changed teams midseason each of the past two years. In August 2023, the Arizona Diamondbacks released him, and he signed days later with Detroit. This year, the Tigers traded him to the Texas Rangers in July in exchange for two minor-leaguers.

Over a combined 91 games in 2024, Kelly hit .238 with a .313 on-base percentage, a .374 slugging percentage, nine homers and 37 RBIs.

For his career, which began with the St. Louis Cardinals (2016-18), Kelly has a .224/.307/.373 batting line with 54 homers and 207 RBIs in 556 games.

--Field Level Media