Chicago Cubs: Top 30 Prospects- No. 10 to No. 1

#10- Willson Contreras (C)

2015 Stats (Tennessee Smokies)

.333/.413/.478, 8 HR, 75 RBI, 57 BB, 62 K, 34 2B

Signed by the Cubs as a third-baseman out of Venezuela in December 2009, Contreras did not convert to a catcher until 2012. At 23-years-old, some scouts believe that Contreras is the best in-house option at catcher for the Cubs.

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Of course, the Cubs do have Kyle Schwarber, but some believe that he won’t become a full-time catcher.

Contreras had a breakout season at the plate with the Smokies. Contreras hit a career-high .333 with a .413 OBP. He also drew 57 walks compared to just 62 strikeouts. Developing his strike zone discipline has been the key to his offensive improvements.

This should also translate into more raw power to all fields. Contreras has great arm strength and athleticism and that is what prompted him to move to catcher. He is quicker than most backstops and is really good at shutting down the running game.

His receiving skills could use some work, but he improved in that category since converting to a catcher. Contreras also ranks #5 in MLB’s Top 10 Catching Prospects. With the Cubs having a log jam at catcher, he likely won’t make it to the big leagues until 2017 at the earliest.

Next: No. 9 - OF Mark Zagunis