Chicago Cubs: Get ready for the Willson Contreras power surge

If the last week is any indication, we may be seeing a Willson Contreras power surge similar to the one that powered the Chicago Cubs late last season.

If not for a late season injury last year, Willson Contreras could have made a serious run at the National League MVP. But, despite missing time, the Chicago Cubs catcher put together an outstanding offensive performance down the stretch.

He finished the year with career-highs in home runs, RBI, OPS, slugging percentage and hits. And his abilities to stop a running game dead in its tracks are well-documented, despite some less-than-stellar pitch framing. All told, there’s a ton to love about Contreras’ game.

The Venezuelan native wears his heart on his sleeve (well, not literally anymore because of the league’s ridiculous rules on gear) – but you get the idea. The fire and passion he has for the game is clear every time he steps on the field.

With the Cubs carrying a six-game win streak into this weekend’s series against the Reds, Contreras is heating up again. All season, he’s hit well – but lacked the power we saw in 2017. Now, he’s putting it all together, just in time for the team to close out the first half on a high note.