The Chicago Cubs are sellers again this summer and there’s one big name everyone has their eye on: Willson Contreras.
Contreras is a seven-year veteran that was behind the plate for the Cubs’ World Series win in 2016. Since then, he’s blossomed offensively and is looking for a big pay day in his next contract.
With the Cubs not exactly in a position to contend next season, it’s likely that Contreras will be moved before the MLB trade deadline on August 2nd. Or more than likely, depending who you ask.
Bob Nightengale joined Crawly on the latest episode of the Fly The W podcast to give his take on the Cubs’ deadline plans.
“The whole industry would be completely floored if Contreras isn’t moved,” Nightengale said (6:25 in player above). I’m sure they’ll try to make one more move to try to sign him to a contract. He wants over $100 million, that’s what they gave J.T. Realmuto in Philadelphia. I think he’ll definitely get moved.”
Contreras is having a great season behind the dish. He’s tied with Will Smith for the most home runs among catchers (13) and leads all catchers with an .890 OPS.
“Let’s be honest, he’s the big fish out there for position players,” Nightengale continued. “So they should get a nice return on him, they really should.”
While the Cubs may shop a few other players that are under team control through at least next season, including Ian Happ, Contreras is one of the guys that should be moved before August 2nd.
“With the Contreras deal, you gotta move him unless you’re gonna sign him here in the next two or three weeks,” Nightengale said. “If you haven’t made progress by now, I don’t think anybody’s stance is changing.”
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