As a result of the MLB lockout, the arbitration period was pushed back until the spring, with it ultimately lasting into a portion of the 2022 regular season schedule once the lockout ended.
For some players, it took a little while to sort everything out.
For others, it didn’t take quite as long.
For Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, it took a little bit longer than expected.
But today, the Cubs and their star catcher have agreed on a settlement for the 2022 season.
Contreras will make $9.625 million in 2022, which sets him up for a huge free agent deal this offseason if he indeed decides to test the market.
Jon Heyman reported the news in the tweet below.
Contreras gets $9.625M. Will be in line for big free agent deal. https://t.co/T4JfTaXFXJ
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 9, 2022
Contreras Ready To Cash In
With this deal, Contreras is set up for a pretty good deal in free agency, that is, if he and the Cubs don’t work out a contract extension.
It’s very possible that Contreras will be traded at the trade deadline in July, where he will garner a lot of interest.
But he’ll certainly garner a ton of interest in the offseason as well when he’s on the free agent market.
There will be plenty of teams looking for a catcher when the time comes.
Perhaps the San Francisco Giants could be one of those teams, since Joey Bart has struggled at the plate.
The Cubs will certainly do all they can to keep him.
He is the veteran leader on that young Cubs squad and is the last holdover from the 2016 World Series championship team.
He may even want to stay with the Cubs.
Regardless, he’ll be in line for a huge deal wherever he ends up going this coming offseason.
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