Chicago Cubs: These guys may not be with the club in 2020
While the Cubs do have some powerful pieces under control, some of those pieces may also be viewed as valuable trade chips in deals that must be made. A leadoff hitter would be nice, and one who plays center field or second base could set the Cubs up nicely.
If a Jose Quintana or Contereras could help get a guy like Francisco Lindor or Mookie Betts, it might be a necessary move to jump-start the offense at the top. Not only would you be adding a powerful presence in the lineup, the fact that either of those guys could lead off makes the lineup that much better.
While I’d love for Contreras to remain a Cub, he is a bit more expendable this offseason after the emergence of Victor Caratini both in the box and behind the plate. Caratini’s ability to handle the pitching staff and frame pitches, as well as his ability to switch-hit make him a cheaper and possibly more tantalizing option with a group of pitchers who rely on pitch framing.
Even though Contreras has made strides defensively, he’s not as good as Caratini. He also has now had two hamstring injuries derail sensational seasons. With the way he plays and the injury history, his value as a trade chip may be too much for the Cubs to ignore.
As for Quintana, the southpaw many view as a loss in the Eloy Jimenez/Dylan Cease trade, it’s possible the Cubs pick up his option and then decide to trade the Columbia native in a play to free up more money to spend in free agency. If moving Quintana means the Cubs go after Gerrit Cole, would any fans be sad to see Q go?