Chicago Cubs: Get ready for the Willson Contreras power surge
By Jake Misener
![(Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fcubbiescrib-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F991670392-850x560-baa1fa0f5afa57c0621f3842d3033a0c.jpg)
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.