The veteran catcher could follow Jon Lester to Chicago.
Before the start of the Winter Meetings, veteran catcher David Ross was drawing a significant amount of interest from teams looking for catching depth, however a deal never got done. According to WEEI.com's Rob Bradford, Ross is considering three offers and will choose between the Cubs, Padres, and Red Sox.
The 37-year old posted a .184/.260/.368 batting line in 50 games with the Red Sox last season. Bradford notes that of the three teams reportedly interested, the Cubs may be favored because they signed Jon Lester in San Diego last week. Chicago traded for Miguel Montero, but is looking for backup catching help after non-tendering John Baker. Although the Cubs initialy considered trading Welington Castillo, the team is not actively shopping him, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Boston is looking for a backup catcher and sees Ross as a mentor for catching prospects Blake Swihart and Christian Vazquez. Ross has had difficulty remaining healthy in his time with the Red Sox, though, suffering from concussions and other minor injuries. Boston could pursue a left-handed catching option that would be able to provide consistent offense, and Vazquez is know to be a solid defensive backstop who is preparing to play his first full major league season.
San Diego may no longer be involved after the trade that sent Wil Myers to the Padres on Wednesday night. The three team deal also sent Ryan Hanigan to San Diego, and as a result, the Padres may no longer be in pursuit of catching depth. Tim Federowicz is also expected to be flipped to the Padres in the Matt Kemp deal that has yet to be finalized.
Although his offensive numbers were not notable last season, Ross is valued as a solid defensive catcher. His ability to manage games led to him receiving an opportunity to catch Jon Lester in the 2013 World Series, and the Cubs might take advantage of the connection. Considering his age, a one or two-year deal is most likely for Ross.