Cubs appear close to signing veteran catcher

Wolters is a solid defensive catcher (Mark Rebilas - USA Today Sports)

by Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Mar 31, 2021, 10:28 AM

The Cubs might be adding a roster piece right before Opening Day.

MLB Network's Jon Heyman posted that the Cubs are close to adding a veteran catcher to the mix.

"Hearing veteran catcher Tony Wolters will likely head to the Cubs after opting out of Pirates contract," he wrote.

Wolters is a needed piece on the team as backup catcher Austin Romine will be out for an extended amount of time during the regular season with a knee injury.

The 28-year-old is one of the game's better defensive catchers and has played the last five years with the Colorado Rockies.

He has a lifetime 32.8 percent caught-stealing rate which is above league average.

Offensively, he has a .238 career batting average and 57 wRC+, which is pretty mediocre.

If he signs with the Cubs, he will be controllable through the 2022 season.

Chicago Cubs close to signing catcher Tony Wolters as there backup to Willson Contreras. Announcement likely today.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) March 31, 2021