Chicago Cubs: Ross set on retirement after ’16; Fowler to sign with Baltimore?

We’re a little over a week until the Chicago Cubs hit the field to kick off Cactus League play. This time around, it’ll be veteran catcher David Ross‘s last time he’ll have to report to training camp and participate in Spring Training as an active player.

Over the weekend, the 38-year-old catcher reassured the media that he was, in fact, retiring following the 2016 campaign. After the Cubs reached the National League Championship Series in 2015, Ross is hoping to ride off into the sunset as a World Series Champion.

He won his first ring with Jon Lester and the Boston Red Sox not too long ago but winning one with the Chicago Cubs would be special. Mainly due to the fact that they haven’t won in over 100 years.

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When traveling throughout the season, David wants to make the best of every trip. As one of the many leaders on this team, keeping these young guys motivated and focused, like last season, will be a top priority.

The Cubs are expected to be the favorites to not only win the National League pennant this season but the World Series as well. They definitely have the pieces and depth they need to accomplish that goal if they manage to stay healthy.

Now, when it comes to former center field Dexter Fowler, it sounds like he may end up back in the American League sometime soon. With the Baltimore Orioles emerging as the favorite to land Fowler, the Chicago White Sox, Cubs, and Los Angeles Angels have been tied to him.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Orioles and Fowler are discussing a two-year deal that could be worth somewhere around $24 million. He’ll definitely be a starter with that club and have to square off against Ross, Jon Lester, Jed Hoyer, Theo Epstein, Joe Maddon, and Ben Zobrist‘s former teams in the A.L. East.

Here are a few stories you may have missed over the weekend:

‘David Ross still plans to retire after 2016‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Matt Murton deserves a spot on the Opening Day roster‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘2016 preview: August has many challenges‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Ken Griffey Jr. waves flag at Daytona 500‘ – MLB.com

‘Yoenis Cespedes arrives to training camp early‘ – MLB.com