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  "path": "/cubs/2026/03/07/cubs-catchers-carson-kelly-miguel-amaya-moises-ballesteros-craig-counsell-jerry-weinstein",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-07T23:48:35.030Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<p>MESA, Ariz. — Carson Kelly paused before analyzing what he could do to replicate his sensational first half in 2025.</p><p>“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.”</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>“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.”</p><p>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.</p><p>“(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.</p><p>“We have Bally involved in this too. So I think we're we have a good I think we have a good catching situation.”</p><p>Counsell also pointed to the continuity of the catchers and becoming familiar with the coaching staff as well as their “system.”</p><p>“That makes things a lot easier,” Counsell added. “I think we’re in a very good position.”</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>“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.”</p><p>After joining the Cubs, Kelly gained more knowledge from 82-year-old special assistant/catching guru Jerry Weinstein.</p><p>“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.”</p>",
  "title": "Cubs' catching corps returns, but it could look different",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-07T23:48:35.030Z"
}