MESA, Ariz. — The Cubs have already identified Willson Contreras as Jon Lester's personal catcher now that David Ross will be rocking the polo-shirt-and-khakis look as a special assistant in baseball operations.
Manager Joe Maddon didn't hesitate when asked during Tuesday's welcome-to-camp press conference, anointing Contreras as the everyday guy behind the plate and essentially saying Miguel Montero will be a $14 million reserve.
"He'll be the backup catcher to Contreras," Maddon said at the Sloan Park complex. "Willson will get the preponderance of play, and Miggy will be out there. But, again, you never know what's going to happen during the course of a season, whether it's an injury or a performance (issue).