Chicago Cubs interested in free agent David Ross

With the Chicago Cubs standing pat for the most part thus far in the offseason, they may be looking to add some help at the catcher position. According to reports, the Cubs are interested in adding free agent back-stop David Ross.

Ross, 37, is a 13-year veteran and could be just what the Cubs need after non-tendering the contract of backup John Baker.  As a defensive minded catcher, he isn’t going to bring much offensively, but can definitely help with the handling of the pitching staff; something Cubs catcher Welington Castillo struggled to do at times last season but did show overall improvement defensively.

Because of his age, Ross’s stint in Chicago will undoubtedly be a short one, but that doesn’t mean it won’t serve a purpose. His veteran leadership is just what the Cubs are looking for, and his track record of five postseason appearances speaks for itself. As someone who has been in the league for some time now, he may also serve as somewhat of a mentor to Castillo and, depending on the speed of his development, top catching prospect Kyle Schwarber. So with that said, aside from Ross’s intangibles on the field, his true value may very well come from his experience.

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Signing Ross could also bode well for the team’s chances of reeling in their number one target, Jon Lester. While the two were teammates in Boston, Lester posted a 2.77 ERA in 29 games over the span of two years. So if comfort has anything to do with the lefty pitcher’s decision, this obviously puts the Cubs in the ideal situation to reunite the battery of Lester and Ross.

Although the addition of an aging backup catcher isn’t a headline making move, it’s definitely a step in the right direction. Cubs’ management has preached patience from the very beginning, so the slow-moving offseason shouldn’t be a surprise. Therefore, in typical fashion, all Cub fans can do at this point is wait.