The Chicago Cubs have elected not to tender a contract to one of their players after a short stint with the team.
The Cubs signed former Boston Red Sox catcher Reese McGuire to a minor league contract in January 2025. The 30-year-old, who has never played an extended role in his eight-season career, played only 44 games for Chicago. McGuire slashed .226/.245/.444, with highs in home runs (nine) and RBIs (24), but is set to make more than the Cubs are willing to spend on the projected fourth catcher on their depth chart.
McGuire will be headed to free agency after a brief stint with the Cubs, who elected not to tender him a contract before Friday’s deadline, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.
“The Cubs non-tendered C Reese McGuire, sources tell ESPN,” Rogers wrote in a post shared to X.
McGuire is heading into his final year of arbitration and is projected to make roughly $2 million next season, according to Spotrac. The 30-year-old spent most of the season in the big leagues despite signing a minor league contract, offering a depth option at catcher behind Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya.
McGuire made the most out of the opportunities he was given by Chicago this season. Though hitting free agency was expected, the 30-year-old’s performance this season should definitely put him on the radar of any teams in need of depth at catcher. A reunion with the Cubs is not out of the question, but he may be able to find a better deal elsewhere.
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