Despite having more than capable other options at catcher, the Chicago Cubs would like David Ross to stay on for another season, while the soon to be 40-year old contemplates retirement.
Both Cubs front office guys and players are trying to convince Ross to stick around for one more year. He is into his second season with the Cubs, playing 60 games, statistically having his best season in four years, batting .241 with a .808 OPS and 8 home runs in 182 plate appearances, and is still fantastic behind the plate when it’s time to catch for a pitcher. Ross said back in November that 2016 will probably be his final year.
If Ross indeed chooses to retire, the Cubs have Miguel Montero on contract for one more year ($14 million), and Willson Contreras, the 24-year old multi-position player (also leftfield and first base), who is in his first major league season.
Montero is having a bad season at the plate, batting only .199 with a .632 OPS through 71 games and 234 plate appearances. Offensively, this is the worst season for the 33-year old, who is a two-time All-Star. Contreras has been much more productive, and he’s played in more positions. He is batting .268 with a .797 OPS, hitting 9 home runs in 237 plate appearances, and looks like the man the Cubs turn to next season, although holding on to Montero for $14 million while not playing him is difficult to do.
Ross has been in the majors since 2002, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves. He helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2013. He joined the Cubs as a free agent in 2014.