Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras was a rookie in 2016, when the team broke an old 108-year curse and won the World Series.
He was already great back then, and still is a top catcher in the league six years later.
Now, however, after having completed his first six seasons of team control with the Cubs, he is set to enter free agency and look for a nice payday.
As a result, the odds of him leaving Chicago are high, even though the Cubs could potentially re-sign him.
Contreras was spotted hugging some of his teammates in the dugout during the Cubs’ last home game of the year.
Could they be goodbye hugs?
“Willson Contreras was emotional after being taken out in the Cubs final home game this season,” Fox Sports MLB tweeted.
Willson Contreras was emotional after being taken out in the Cubs final home game this season
(via @Taylor_McGregor)pic.twitter.com/Pe4O0pTeFk
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 2, 2022
Something Similar Happened Around The Trade Deadline
We saw something similar happen before the trade deadline.
With no concrete plans to re-sign him to a long-term contract and his deal expiring after the World Series, the most logical move by the Cubs at the time was trading him for a prospect or two.
Contreras knew this, and every home game before August 2 felt like a potential goodbye.
In the end, the Cubs didn’t find an offer they liked and hung un to their star catcher.
Contreras is having another typically solid season at the plate, with a .240/.346/.458 line and 21 home runs in 112 games and 483 plate appearances.
On top of that, he remains an asset with the mitt, too.
Someone will make him a very rich man during free agency, and it likely won’t be the Cubs.
It could be the end of an era.
NEXT: The Cubs Release A Must-See Video To Honor The Fans