Cubs could trade Willson Contreras before the start of the season

Frederlin Castro | @fr3djcd

Last season, the Chicago Cubs shed Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Báez. Now, it could be Willson Contreras’ turn to leave the Windy City once and for all.

The Cubs aren’t expected to compete at the moment, so they need to get the most out of the Venezuelan catcher while he’s under club control.

The Cubs and Contreras haven’t discussed a contract extension.

Recently, the 29-year-old confirmed that he has not yet entered into talks about a potential contract extension, although he said he trusts the club:

Willson Contreras has his head on a swivel for whatever comes next — making him his own real-life bobblehead.

And the Rickettses will have nobody to blame but themselves if their bid for Chelsea FC fails.@GDubCub‘s latest week in (p)review column:https://t.co/1ezMiCG3Tv

— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) March 28, 2022

“No, there have been no conversations. It seems good to me,” Contreras said, according to The Athletic portal. “They know what they’re doing, they know what’s best for the team. I’m here because I love my team. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen. I’m always open. You know me, I’m not focused on that. I’m focused having a good year, having fun with my team and trying to win.

They could transfer him before the start of the season

Notably, MLB insider James Foxx believes that’s because the Cubs are itching to trade him before the season starts:

“At @670TheScore, Bruce Levine is strongly indicating that the #Cubs could trade Wilson Contreras; maybe before the season. NYY and SDP mentioned. I personally wouldn’t give him a long-term deal either. Should be a pretty significant haul.” .

The Yankees could make a run for him

Also, the New York Yankees emerge as a potential suitor for his services, having just parted ways with Gary Sanchez in the Josh Donaldson trade:

Report: Cubs may trade catcher Willson Contreras before season starts #chicago #Cubs #MLB https://t.co/qFrbevP9CF

— Chicago Sports (@Chi_Fans) March 27, 2022

“The Yankees become an unsurprising prospect after trading Gary Sanchez,” said Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors. “New York is currently scheduled to roll with Kyle Higashioka and Ben Rortvedt behind the plate. That duo is capable of defending, but doesn’t seem likely to come close to producing Contreras at the plate.”

You know you’re on the black market

The veteran outfielder knows he’s one of the top candidates to be traded this season, and while it’s going to hurt, it’s all part of the business:

“This is something that is really hard for me,” Contreras added. “Personally, the relationships that I have with the team, with the players and with the fans, (leaving) would be something that would be really difficult to take on. It’s a very emotional thing for me, knowing everything I’ve had to go through to get to this point. It’s going to be very hard and very emotional.”

The Cubs need to trade him while he’s under contract, and there’s no question they could get a big haul for one of the best receivers in the game.