Which Chicago Cubs benefit the most from the Ross hire?

Chicago Cubs: You’d expect one or both of these guys to be pretty psyched

The first group of players who have to be pretty gung-ho about Ross taking over is the catchers as a unit. Ross was a catcher during his playing days and played with Willson Contreras during his rookie season in 2016. Contreras has always been an explosive player on the offensive side, but his defensive metrics improved a bit in 2019 when he was healthy and on the field.

If Ross and the front office like what they saw from Contreras, there could be reason to believe that the two-time All-Star could have another great season and take the next jump forward as the best all-around catcher in the game. He would also need to stay healthy as well, but maybe his rotation and usage behind the plate is something to keep an eye on once Ross takes over.

That being said, Contreras may not be part of the equation going forward if the front office and Ross aren’t smitten with the passionate Venezuelan backstop as the man. If they’d rather use Contreras in a blockbuster trade, he would certainly have a ton of value.

Ross could prefer the backup from 2018 and 2019, Victor Caratini, whose offense and defense are seen as productive and positives. Caratini had some hot stretches in 2019 at the plate and his pitch framing has been superior to Contreras.

Even if no one is moved in a trade and the Cubs go with both guys as a tandem again in 2019, you’d have to think the catchers would benefit the most from a great modern leader, pitch caller, framer, and teammate as their new manager.