Chicago Cubs: Looking ahead: Who gets the first extension?

Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts (left) hands the National League Championship Trophy to President of Baseball operations Theo Epstein after game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Cubs win 5-0 to advance to the World Series. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts (left) hands the National League Championship Trophy to President of Baseball operations Theo Epstein after game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Cubs win 5-0 to advance to the World Series. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 16, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) bobbles a throw during the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. A run scored on the play. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) bobbles a throw during the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. A run scored on the play. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Willson Contreras

Older than most of the young crop, Contreras has shown he’s one of the best defensive catchers in the game thanks to his absolute cannon of an arm. Offensively he’s coming along and could end up being one of the best all-around catchers in baseball.

Pros: Rumors surfaced that Contreras and the Cubs were already talking extensions in the offseason, though nothing came of it. He’s already a defensive stud and he’ll most likely be cheaper than the others.

Cons: Contreras’ inexperience is a bit of an issue. Waiting until he proves himself over time could be beneficial. This season, we’ve seen him display horrendous plate discipline at times and a lack of pop in the bat.

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