The Cubs filled one of their needs on Friday, signing catcher Austin Romine to a one-year deal. The deal will pay him $1.5 million in 2021. The Cubs’ 40-man roster now sits at 36.
After Victor Caratini was traded in the deal that sent Yu Darvish to the Padres, the Cubs needed a veteran backstop, who could back up Willson Contreras. Romine will fill that need for them this season.
Romine slashed .238/.259/.323 with two home runs and 17 RBI in 37 games for the Tigers in 2020, but has a reputation as a solid game caller and clubhouse presence. In his last full season in ‘19, Romine had the best offensive season of his career, slashing .281/.310/.439 with eight homers for the Yankees.
Highly-touted prospect Miguel Amaya has performed well this offseason playing winter ball in Puerto Rico. While there has been some speculation on if the 21-year-old could serve as Contreras’ backup until he’s ready, the signing of Romine allows the Cubs to take their time with their young catcher in the Minors until he’s ready to play every day.
It’s just the first Major-League, free-agent contract the Cubs have signed a player to this offseason, and just the second they’ve signed since 2019. Relief pitcher Jeremy Jeffress signed a one-year deal last offseason.
The Cubs’ winter checklist remains a lengthy one with less than a month before pitchers and catchers report. The Cubs still need to find an additional outfielder and starting-pitching depth.
