Cubs’ Contreras Catches On

MESA, Ariz.—If the past year is any indication, then a 23-year-old former third baseman with a vise grip of a handshake might have an even stronger grip on his place in the Cubs’ long-term catching plans.

“I think he’s got as much ability as anybody at that position,” catching coach Mike Borzello said of Willson Contreras. “He’s the kind of athletic, strong-armed, powerful-legged, young catcher who you don’t come across very often.”

That’s the kind of impression Contreras, who signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2009, made in his first big league camp, which followed a breakout 2015 season at Double-A Tennessee that included a Southern League batting title.

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“When he handles the pitchers, he’s thoughtful,” said big league manager Joe Maddon, a former minor league catcher. “He knows what’s going on out there. This kid’s in on every pitch—every pitch.”

Contreras continued to hit well all spring and showed off what might be the best arm by a catcher in the organization.

“They make the decisions. That’s one thing I can’t control,” said Contreras, who opens the season at Triple-A Iowa. “So I’m just going to keep working hard and playing hard.”

The Cubs have stressed that he work on communication with pitchers, working with scouting reports and calling games—the last components of the job he needs to master.

“The talent is there,” Borzello said. “I mean, he’s capable of doing anything that you need done back there.”

Cubs backup David Ross said he’s retiring after this season. Starter Miguel Montero is signed through 2017.

“When they give me an opportunity, I’ll try to take advantage,” Contreras said. “I feel like I’m one step closer to Wrigley Field.”

 Said Borzello: “He works as hard as anyone I’ve ever had. And when you have that kind of ability and that work ethic on top of it, there’s no stopping you.”

CUBBYHOLE

• Third baseman Christian Villanueva, who broke his leg early in spring training, expects to be out until at least July.

• As part of their final spring training cuts, the Cubs released—and then re-signed to minor league deals—outfielder Shane Victorino, lefthander Manny Parra and second baseman Munenori Kawasaki.