What should the Cubs do with Willson Contreras?
WIllson Contreras via NBC Sports Chicago
Having an elite catcher in the MLB is rare.
Most teams are okay with their catchers not being great offensively as long as they can help their pitching staff. Some teams are lucky enough to have catchers who are good both offensively and defensively, and their skills need to be valued. T
The Chicago Cubs have arguably the best catcher in baseball in Willson Contreras. Unfortunately, despite what he has brought to the Cubs for seven seasons, the team has hit a roadblock concerning whether they should re-sign him this offseason as a free agent. There were reports leading up to the trade deadline that he would certainly be dealt. However, team president Jed Hoyer was unable to find a willing partner.
This series of events begs the question, what exactly should the Cubs do with Contreras this offseason?
I believe it would be wise for the Cubs to give Contreras a new contract and welcome him back. He is the face of their franchise, and they hope to be competitive soon.
The Cubs could be much better next year if they were to sign someone like Carlos Correa or Aaron Judge. It’s hard to find quality catchers like Contreras, so the Cubs must keep him to show their players and fans they intend to win.
Not only does Contreras provide production on the field, but he does great things for the community and interacts with fans too. The kind of player and person he is represents the Cubs organization in great fashion. That said, Hoyer and his staff need to come up with a deal that will satisfy Contreras and make him committed to the Cubs long-term.
A five-year contract worth $120 million should be able to work, given that J.T. Realmuto got a five-year deal worth $115.5 million going into his age-30 season before 2021. Contreras will be 30 this offseason, so the two contracts would likely be pretty similar.
Keeping him around will rightfully keep one of the best players in baseball where he belongs. Contreras’ talents will only add to a nucleus that could be formed this offseason in free agency and set the Cubs up for more success.