The Chicago Cubs played their last home series which finished up yesterday against Cincinnati sweeping the Reds. This could be the last time catcher Wilson Contreras is at Wrigley Field as a member of the Chicago Cubs.
Contreras has been with the Chicago Cubs since he was called up in 2016. In that time Wilson Contreras has become one of the top catchers in baseball. This season, even in a down year for the Chicago Cubs, Contreras was still productive. Going into the final series against Cincinnati, Contreras’ batting average is .240 with 21 home runs and 54 RBIs.
Contreras knows this could have been the final home game for him in a Cubs’ uniform. According to MLB.com, Contreras said, “I was just looking around appreciating every single fan. And taking a moment in this special place. Wrigley Field is nothing more special. And since the moment that I got here, I knew that this could have been my home for my whole career. But I got to a moment in my career that is like a dream coming true. I earned my spot in free agency. And I’m looking forward to it.”
Contreras may be a member of the Cubs in 2023. They will give him a qualifying offer. It’s expected he is going decline it and become a free agent. This doesn’t mean he won’t be back with the Cubs. They might sign him to a long-term deal.
The truth is Contreras will be one of the biggest names in free agency at the catcher position. Offensively, his career batting average is .256 with 116 home runs and 364 RBI’s. Contreras can drive the ball into the gap to not only score his teammates, but for him to be in scoring position. Contreras has smacked 133 doubles in his career.
When it comes to defense, he is one of the better catchers in the league who can throw a runner out trying to steal a base. This season, Contreras has caught 11 players trying to advance.
Contreras is going to do what is best for him. The Cubs would like to have him back but they are rebuilding. It could be a while for them to be a playoff team. For him, it wouldn’t be a surprise to go to a team ready to win now. Contreras would like nothing better than to win another World Series ring. Free agency will determine his value.
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