Chicago Cubs News: Cubs catching situation; Travis Wood return?

The Chicago Cubs have an interesting situation behind the plate. While Willson Contreras established himself as the No. 1 backstop, how will the rest of them fall in line with David Ross retired?

The Chicago Cubs situation behind the plate last season worked out to perfection. Willson Contreras came up and established himself as the No. 1 catcher, and David Ross and Miguel Montero filled in the gaps. But with Ross retired, what’s the plan after Contreras? And will Kyle Schwarber be cleared to catch at all? Our Jacob Misener takes a look at the possibilities.

After joking that Travis Wood could be this year’s Dexter Fowler at camp, the Cubs made him an offer late last night. The Cubs join the Padres and two other teams in the mix for Wood’s services. They would continue to use him in a swingman role, while the Padres want to add him to their rotation.

The Cubs avoided arbitration with Pedro Strop, signing him to a one-year, $5.5 million deal. The signing puts all the arbitration eligible players back into the mix for the Cubs without having to go before an arbitrator. Strop will join Hector Rondon in the late innings, setting it up for the newly acquired Wade Davis.

These and other stories you may have missed:

‘Breaking down the Cubs catching options in 2017’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs make offer to Wood, per report’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Braves land Phillips from Reds’ – MLB.com

‘Could Travis Wood be this year’s Dexter Fowler?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs, Strop avoid arbitration with one-year deal’ – Cubbies Crib

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