Cubs' signing Gomes raises Contreras question originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Cubs made their first significant free agent signing of the offseason before this week's expected lockout, signing catcher Yan Gomes to a two-year deal worth $13 million, according to multiple reports Tuesday.
The deal, which is pending a physical, includes a 2024 option worth $1 million and incentives built in based on games started, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported.
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Gomes is a 10-year veteran who split last season with the Nationals and A's after he was traded to Oakland at the deadline. He previously spent six seasons with Cleveland, where he made one All-Star team and was on their World Series runner-up roster in 2016.
It's unclear what this deal means for starter Willson Contreras, who's entering his final year of club control. Gomes at least provides insurance as a capable starter should the Cubs decide to Contreras this winter.
It's also insurance in case the Cubs are unable to extend Contreras this offseason. Their catching depth took a hit recently with news top catching prospect Miguel Amaya will undergo Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for at least a chunk of 2022.
Whether the Cubs move Contreras, they entered the offseason looking to address the backup catcher job after using a franchise-record nine backstops in 2021. Contreras took on a heavy workload amid the revolving door, ranking seventh in baseball with 935 2/3 innings caught.
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If the Cubs keep Contreras, Gomes can take some of the burden off him behind the plate. And with a universal DH likely coming in the next collective bargaining agreement, the Cubs can keep Contreras' bat in the lineup on days he gets a breather.
