Wolters, 28, will be Willson Contreras’ backup to begin the season.
The Cubs have signed veteran catcher Tony Wolters to a one-year deal on Wednesday and will be the Cubs’ backup catcher to begin the season.
Catcher Austin Romine was expected to be Willson Contreras’ backup behind the plate, but the veteran catcher’s right knee sprain has been slow to heal and sidelined him out of 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.