Could the Chicago Cubs trade Willson Contreras or Victor Caratini this winter?

The Chicago Cubs will soon again boast one of the best catching tandems in the league. Could they deal from that position of strength come this winter?

To be clear, I’m not personally advocating a trade of either of the Chicago Cubs’ top catchers at this point in time. I want to keep both Willson Contreras and Victor Caratini because I think they’re really quality players and teammates to boot.

However, from a purely analytical and business standpoint, it would be ignorant and irresponsible to not look at roster construction or depth and consider how to make the team better. Even if that means trading away one of these two guys – both of whom seem to have a lot of talent.

One catcher on your team is a good thing, but two catchers are better. So much so that you almost need two dependable catchers if you want to be a contender and, more importantly, get through an MLB season. It’s probably the most demanding position in the sport, and it’s nearly impossible to play more than 130 games. Currently, only J.T. Realmuto of the Phillies is on pace to do so behind the dish this season.

Maybe I’m making the case for carrying two solid catchers as a necessity before I even get to the flip side of this argument, but there is another side. These types of catchers are at a premium in the majors- catchers who can frame and hit are a hot commodity. Team-controlled, cheap, and young(ish) guys who fit that bill are even more of a needle in a haystack.

With about half the teams in the league struggling with injuries or mediocre play at the catching position at any given time, someone’s bound to get a little bit desperate in the offseason looking to bolster their lineup with a long-term answer as catcher. Both of the Cubs’ backstops fit that bill, with each having their own strengths and weaknesses.

The question is: would the Cubs get more value out of their catchers by trading one away? We already know Willson Contreras is a bona fide MLB starting catcher. However, Victor Caratini‘s work this year has also catapulted him into a position where other front offices around the league might feel he could handle duties as a starting backstop. In fact, the numbers bear that out as well.

Would it be worth it for the Cubs to at least consider the idea of trading one or the other? Let’s get into it.