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One Out-of-the-Box Solution for the Cubs This Offseason

Rafael Marchán, a member of the Philadelphia Phillies organization, could be an out-of-the-box solution for the Chicago Cubs this offseason. The young catcher is a two-way talent who performed well in limited action last season. The Cubs’ frugal front office is always on the lookout for a bargain. Along with their need for starting pitching and closer and the possible departure of Cody Bellinger, Marchán would be a great cost-saving addition.

Rafael Marchán Could Be an Out-of-the-Box Solution for Cubs This Offseason

Ricketts to Hoyer to Chance

In his message to fans on October 11, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts promised to “build a team that consistently plays in the postseason…” Ricketts pointed to President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer “redoubling” his commitment to delivering on that promise this offseason.

In hindsight, expectations were a bit high for the team that started last season. Third base and catcher were still a question mark. No one knew Shota Imanaga would be as good as he was in his rookie season. The team lacked proven depth in its rotation and its bullpen.

Hoyer’s midseason deals and manager Craig Counsell‘s player development filled in some of the holes in the team’s roster. But answering all of the team’s offseason needs remains a daunting challenge for the organization. Rafael Marchán might be the kind of out-of-the-box solution the club is looking for behind the plate.

No Marchán for Error

The 25-year-old Venezuela native was signed by the Phillies out of high school in 2018. By the end of the 2019 minor league season, he was already ranked number 6 in the Phillies prospect pipeline. What showed immediately was his defensive potential.

With a 1.87 pop time and a strong throwing arm, Marchán posted a 36.5-percent caught-stealing rate in 2019. He threw out 40 percent of base runners in his first limited action with the big league club in 2021. He caught just under 35 percent in minor league action in 2022 and just over 31 percent in 2023, overall.

Improving at the Plate

Marchán has made improvements at the plate in the past two seasons. Returning after suffering a right hamate (wrist) fracture, he slashed .297/.391/.440 in 51 at-bats at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2023.

He started the 2024 season on injured reserve with lower back pain. After that, he yo-yoed back and forth between Triple-A and the major leagues. In 17 games with the big league club, Marchán slashed .294/.345/.549. He hit three home runs in 51 plate appearances, a 30-home run pace for a player with 502 PA.

Number Three on the Phillies Roster

While this is a small sample size to be sure, Marchán shows too much promise to linger on the sidelines much longer. The trouble is the Phillies still have J.T. Realmuto, one of MLB’s best catchers, through 2025. Realmuto’s heir apparent Garrett Stubbs, 31, is under team control through 2027.

The Phillies are in the midst of a run of postseason appearances, and Realmuto figures prominently for the near future. With Stubbs platooning at catcher and Phillies number 5 prospect Eduardo Tait, 18, making his way through the minors, the Phillies might just be willing to let Marchán go.

Payroll Implications and Trade Possibilities

Marchán is still on a minor league contract worth $400K. Miguel Amaya, who is the same age as Marchán, made about twice that, as did Amaya’s roster mate Christian Bethancourt, who joined the team midseason. Marchán would have to earn the position, but he trends in the right direction. For the same salary Amaya and Bethancourt each made in 2024, he could provide the latter’s defensive skills while out-hitting the former.

The Phillies appear to need pitching help, an area where the Cubs’ farm system is lacking. The former round 11 pick Jack Neely, 24, saw action with the Cubs major league squad with middling results in 2024. But the 6’8″ right-hander features a 97 mph fastball and an a-plus slider.

Another option might be an outfielder. Brandon Marsh regressed with the Phillies last season. The Cubs’ farm system is deep with outfield talent. While the Phillies will likely seek a deal for Juan Soto, a multiplayer deal that bolsters their depth might benefit both teams.

 A Cost-Saving Improvement Amid Bigger Deals

The Cubs are close to reaching the postseason, and yet so far. Questions remain about Bellinger’s future. The need for another high-quality starting pitcher and a closer is still looming. The front office will be looking to make improvements large and small this offseason. Rafael Marchán might be the kind of out-of-the-box solution that accomplishes both for the Cubs.

 

Photo Credit: © Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Ron Voller

Ron Voller

Ron Voller is a Chicago Cubs beat reporter for Last Word on Sports.

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