Cubs reportedly agree to deal with ex-Red Sox catcher David Ross

The Cubs reportedly agreed to a two-year, $5 million contract with free-agent catcher David Ross. Fox Sports first reported the deal.

Ross, 37, will re-join left-hander Jon Lester, who signed a six-year, $155 million with the team. Ross was Lester’s catcher for 18 games last season with the Red Sox. Lester had a 2.02 ERA in those games. The pair helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2013.

Ross is a career .233 hitter in 13 years. Last season, he hit .184 with seven home runs and 15 RBI in 50 games. His on-base percentage was .260 and his slugging percentage .368.

He made $3.1 million each of the last two seasons with the Red Sox. He played for the Braves from 2009 to ’12, the Reds from 2006 to ’08, the Pirates in 2005 and the Dodgers in 2004.

The Cubs also finalized a one-year, $4.5 million contract with reliever Jason Motte. The former Cardinals closer can earn another $2.5 million in performance bonuses.

The team claimed catcher Ryan Lavarnway off waivers from the Dodgers and outfielder Shane Peterson from the Athletics.

To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Donn Roach and infielder Logan Watkins were designated for assignment.

Lavarnway spent the last seven seasons in the Red Sox organization, including 97 games at the big-league level. He is a career .201 major-league hitter with five home runs and 34 RBI.

Peterson batted .308 with 40 doubles, 11 homers and 90 RBI with Class AAA Sacramento last season.

Sun-Times wires