By Jordan Long
The Chicago Cubs seem to be in a rebuilding mode this offseason. They already traded their top pitcher, Yu Darvish, to the San Diego Padres. There are now rumors the Cubs could trade Willson Contreras to the Los Angeles Angels.
Contreras is the top catcher on the Cubs’ roster. He has been their #1 catcher since 2017. Contreras has shown the ability to handle the duties. He is one of the best defensive catchers in the league. He can pick the ball up on a bunt and throw the ball to 1st base. When runners try to steal a bag, Contreras throws them out. Last year in a shortened year, he caught 9 batters trying to advance. Contreras didn’t make many errors with 2. For his play, Contreras has yet to win a Gold Glove.
When it comes to his offense, Contreras isn’t a power hitter. He smacks the ball for base hits which score his teammates. Contreras can drive the ball into the gap for doubles. In his career, Contreras is a .265 hitter with 74 home runs, 8 triples, and 90 doubles. Contreras added 253 RBI’s.
The Cubs are denying these rumors are true. According to dailyherald.com, Cub’s General Manager Jed Hoyer said, “People have called about pretty much every player on our roster this winter. The reports (on Contreras), fictional. There’s no other way to say it. Listen, Willson Contreras, I think he’s one of the top handful of catchers in baseball. We control him for two more years. I think that catching is a strength of this team as a result of having him on the roster.”
The problem with this quote is when there is smoke there is fire. Hoyer could be saying this just to make fans happy. The Cubs have to keep some of their best players to win games this year. Contreras is the one that would make that happen. It doesn’t mean they are going to win the Division like they did last year. Then again, if they can receive something back for Contreras to help the future, it might be worth it even though he has two years left on his contract.
Dealing him to the Angels may not be the worst place for Contreras. He would be reunited with manager Joe Maddon. Contreras played under Maddon from 2016 to 2019, winning the World Series in 2016. Contreras most likely would be the everyday catcher for the Angels. The Angels’ catcher currently is Max Stassi. He hasn’t been the everyday starter in his career. He has that chance this season but could backup Contreras if a deal goes through. If not, Stassi is the starter.
The Cubs will do what is best for the team moving forward. The Cubs have a better chance at winning games this year if they keep Contreras. Hopefully, the Cubs stay with Contreras at the catcher position otherwise it might be a long season on the North Side of Chicago.
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