Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras is expected to hit free agency after the 2022 World Series.
The Cubs haven’t been all that inclined to extend him, otherwise, they could have found common ground at some point in the last couple of years.
As a result, the expectation around the league and among executives from other teams is that the Cubs will trade him before August 2, in order to avoid losing him for nothing.
They did the same last year with Javier Baez, Anthony Rizzo, and Kris Bryant, three crucial contributors in the 2016 World Series run.
It shows that the Cubs really wanted to move on from the core that made them successful in the second half of the 2010s.
For some reason, they didn’t extend any of those offensive stars, yet they opted to extend inconsistent pitcher Kyle Hendricks in 2019.
It’s a curious use of resources, to put it that way.
Contreras Has Been The Definition Of A Cub For Life
Now, they are likely going to trade a player that came to the Cubs organization 13 years ago, at 17 years old.
Fans are obviously angry because Contreras remains a highly productive player.
Contreras is currently 30 and has a career .811 OPS while playing a premium defensive position.
If there is a logical candidate for an extension, it’s him.
But the Cubs are apparently not exploring an extension anymore.
“Contreras has been with the Cubs org for 13 years. He just turned 17 when he signed. Went from a middling 3B prospect to arguably the best catcher in all of baseball. Became his team’s leader. Cubs fans have every right to be pissed and he has every right to be hurt,” sports anchor Brad Robinson tweeted.
Contreras has been with the Cubs org for 13 years. He just turned 17 when he signed. Went from a middling 3B prospect to arguably the best catcher in all of baseball. Became his team's leader. Cubs fans have every right to be pissed and he has every right to be hurt.
— Brad Robinson (@bradrobinson8) July 27, 2022
This year, the catcher is hitting .258/.373/.470 with a .843 OPS.
He clearly wants to stay in Chicago if you hear recent interviews.
It’s a tough situation for him and his family.
Hopefully, he is traded to a good situation.
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