Cubs sign veteran catcher Austin Romine to one-year deal

The Cubs filled one of their needs Friday by signing catcher Austin Romine to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million.

After Victor Caratini was traded in the deal that sent right-hander Yu Darvish to the Padres, the Cubs needed a veteran to back up Willson Contreras.

Romine had a slash line of .238/.259/.323 with two home runs and 17 RBI in 37 games for the Tigers in 2020 but has a reputation as a solid game-caller and clubhouse presence.

In his last full season in 2019, Romine had the best offensive year of his career, hitting .281/.310/.439 with eight homers for the Yankees.

Highly touted prospect Miguel Amaya, 21, has performed well in winter ball in Puerto Rico, and there had been some speculation that he could serve as Contreras’ backup, but the Romine signing allows Amaya to take his time in the minor leagues until he’s ready to play regularly.

Romine’s is the first major-league free-agent contract the Cubs have agreed to this offseason and only their second since 2019. Reliever Jeremy Jeffress signed a one-year deal last offseason.

The Cubs’ winter checklist remains a lengthy one with less than a month before pitchers and catchers report.

They still need another outfielder and starting-pitching depth.

Their 40-man roster sits at 36.