The Cubs signed veteran catcher Tony Wolters to a one-year deal on Wednesday and he will be the backup to begin the season.
Catcher Austin Romine was expected to be Willson Contreras’ backup, but the veteran’s right knee sprain has been slow to heal and sidelined him most of the spring. Minor leaguer PJ Higgins looked like he would be in line for the spot, but the signing of Wolters shows the Cubs are leaning toward experience.
Wolters, 28, has a career .238/.323/.319 slash line with seven home runs and 123 RBIs over five major league seasons with the Rockies. He opted out of his minor-league deal with the Pirates on Tuesday after not making Pittsburgh’s Opening Day roster.
To make room for Wolters on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher James Norwood has been designated for assignment. Norwood was 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA over 23 career appearances for the Cubs.
