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The Cubs took another step in strengthening their defense up the middle on Thursday, agreeing to terms on a two-year contract with veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart, according to multiple reports. The second year is a player option.
The Cubs will pair Barnhart, 31, with Yan Gomes, who received rave reviews from the pitching staff last year.
Barnhart, a two-time Gold Glover, reflects the Cubs’ focus on the run-prevention side of the catcher position. He hit .221 in 94 games last year.
Gomes didn’t do much better at the plate, hitting .235. But in his last multi-year stop, Washington, his offense dipped in his first season before steadily improving.