Chicago Cubs: 3 teams that are a perfect fit for Willson Contreras

Another day, another reminder that the end is near for the current Chicago Cubs core. When speaking to the general consensus of Cubs fans, as much as it hurts to think about, most have been in agreement that in order to have the quickest turnaround we must sell off our key pieces now.

Even if you were to keep all these stars, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez and Willson Contreras, together long-term, the simple truth is this: this team has not performed well enough together for years now. It is time to start answering the phone if you’re Jed Hoyer and look ahead to what your key pieces can get you in  trades. With recent reports of the Cubs core staying intact beyond the deadline, it begs the question. Why?

Does that mean we are looking to stand pat at the deadline? How can we with a below average rotation? Are we looking to now buy at the deadline to fix the rotation and go for it? What do we have to buy with, except for the key pieces on this team we would need to trade to get any return in value anyway?

As for buying, there have been no further reports or rumors as of yet. It has, however, been addressed that the Cubs are looking to sell at the deadline. The ideology of sticking with your current core baffles me if you are not looking to re-sign all off of them in the offseason.

We’ve discussed Bryant, Kimbrel and Baez. Now, with everybody seemingly on the table for the right price, let’s shift our focus to Willson Contreras.

Just before the All-Star Break, Contreras called out his teammates for their poor effort in a loss to the Cardinals, capping off a bitter cold 2-13 run before the break. Whether it was consequence or simply a day off, Contreras was not in the lineup the following afternoon for the final game which was ultimately postponed due to inclement weather.

Contreras is currently batting .236/.344/.457, though his defense is of most value.

The return for Contreras could be well worth it as he is the only member considered to be in the core who still has a full year of team control on his contract. Who doesn’t want a catcher who can strike when you least expect it? No lead from a runner is safe when Willy is behind the plate and for that reason we will take a look at three teams potentially looking to strengthen themselves in the two spot.

Chicago Cubs: Willson Contreras trade destination #2: Atlanta Braves

After a detrimental loss in Atlanta of superstar outfielder Ronald Acuna, the Braves will need to dig deep if they wish to stay alive after losing their best player. Atlanta currently finds itself four games behind of Mets and Phillies. They also find themselves 3 1/2 back in the Wild Card race.

Another big blow was losing catcher Travis d’Arnaud, to the 60-day IL after tearing a ligament in his thumb and requiring surgery back in early May. They also lost backup Alex Jackson as well to a hamstring/finger injury who was also placed on the 60-day IL. In a corresponding move, the Braves signed Jonathan Lucroy after he was DFAd by the Washington Nationals but has only seen action in two games so far in July.

This has left a mix of Lucroy, Kevan Smith and William Contreras, younger brother of Willson, to cover games as the back stop for Atlanta.

Simply put, Smith and Contreras have not been exactly the greatest hitters in the league. Smith .190 in 19 games and Contreras .203 in 44 games. Atlanta needs a better-hitting catcher with a strong arm such as Willson to better help fill the hole left behind.

Were Willson Contreras to be traded to Atlanta, I’m sure he would have no problem playing along with and mentoring his little brother.

Chicago Cubs: Willson Contreras trade destination #1: Houston Astros

The Astros are currently an AL West-best 55-36 after a scorching hot streak that led them to overtake the Oakland Athletics for first place. Though only 3 1/2 games up, Houston’s offense has been ridiculous, boasting a +136 run differential, second to only the Dodgers at +142.

The weakest spot in Houston’s lineup has been the catcher’s spot. Martin Maldonado bats .172/.255/.293 with an even 0.0 WAR and 37 hits in 215 at-bats thus far. Adding a bat such as Contreras, you only not get a catcher with a great arm but you also have someone that can swing it from the nine hole, or even further up the lineup if you’re Dusty Baker.

Though Houston doesn’t have the strongest farm system according to Bleacher Report, as previously stated, the price tag for Contreras assumes to be just as high as impending free agents Bryant or Baez due to his remaining team control. These trade scenarios could actually bring back a decent haul should Chicago throw in a prospect of their own into the mix.

Important to remember, in a ‘re-tooling” phase you take every call and listen to any offer you can get. Try to bid teams up to make this as smooth of a transition as possible and get back to your winning ways ASAP. A team like Houston is one that’s looking for another pennant and sometimes when you’re within reach and need something to get you over the top, you pay the piper.

The next two weeks promise to be a wild ride emotionally for the Chicago Cubs and fans alike. Buckle up.