If the Chicago Cubs begin to turn things around next season as the front office suggests, targeting a veteran catcher like Russell Martin in free agency might be the team's best move.

Welington Castillo is considered the catcher of the future, but that may be up for internal debate.

"It also likely would take a sizeable three-year offer and a pretty persuasive argument from Cubs brass that the team is on the brink of a breakout similar to what the Pirates have experienced the last two years with ­Martin," writes Gordon Wittenmyer.

"But Martin is a three-time All-Star and former Gold Glove winner who gets even more recognition for his work with pitchers and his veteran influence in a young Pirates clubhouse."