David Ross Will Play in 2017, for $15 Million
Aug 4, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross (3) enters the dugout before playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Chicago won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The 2016 season was suppose to be Chicago Cubs catcher, David Ross’ last. While it still likely is the final season in the 15 year career of the veteran backstop, he isn’t counting out a 16th season – if there were a lot of perfect storms.
In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Ross appeared a little less confident that 2016 will, with all certainty, be his final season playing the game of baseball.
“There couldn’t have been a better first two months of the season for me personally and the team,” Ross said. “I’ve gotten to catch a no-hitter, I hit my 100th home run, I’m contributing, I’m having fun, I’m throwing guys out, I feel great, there’s this new clubhouse and there are so many positives this year with what’s going on in Chicago and with the Cubs.”
But would this start prove to Ross that he is capable of playing one more season?
“I’m pretty comfortable going home if that’s the end result,” Ross said. “A lot of things would have to line up for me to come back to baseball. There would have to be a lot of perfect storms. I’m not ruling it out, but I’m definitely planning on going home.”
All of this talk comes after David has put together a third of a season hitting .224/.324/.412 with 4 HR and a much improved defensive season which he leafs all catchers in runs saved and catcher’s ERA. But would his play be enough to keep him going? Or something else?
“I mean, I like money,” Ross said with a hearty laugh. “Tell everybody I’m not turning down a qualifying offer if one is made to me.”
Heck, with a qualifying offer coming in at around $15 M per season, why wouldn’t Rossy come back – especially if he’d be set to earn a $12.5 M raise?
The Cubs of course wouldn’t offer a QO to Ross, and I’m certain there wouldn’t be enough perfect storms thay come together to sway David’s thinking, but his play certainly has certainly warranted the question.
