The Cubs were one of the youngest teams in all of baseball last season. Their regular infield had an average age under 24-years-old. David Ross does not fit that mold.
The 38-year-old catcher was the second oldest player on the Cubs playoff roster, only a few months behind Fernando Rodney. But Ross was part of the glue that kept the young Cubs not only focused, but loose. Heading into the last year of his contract, Ross said he will likely retire at the end of the year.
Is 2016 David Ross' last year?: "I think this is probably going to be it for me, time to be a dad, I'm going to give it one more run" #Cubs
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) November 16, 2015
Ross spent most of last year as the backup catcher and personal catcher for Jon Lester. While his offense left more than a little to be desired, he was clearly the defensive stopper manager Joe Maddon looked to in late game situations.
Despite being for than 15-years older than some of his teammates, Ross clearly fit in well with the young team. After making his announcement, teammate Anthony Rizzo made his objections known.
.@D_Ross3 Whoa whoa whoa what's this about retiring? TWO MORE YEARS!!!
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) November 17, 2015
The Cubs owe Ross $2.5 million for 2016, where he will likely return as the team’s backup behind Miguel Montero. Ross is expected by many to eventually step into a coaching roll after his playing career is over.
