3 players the Chicago Cubs cannot trade under any circumstances

3 players the Chicago Cubs must not trade: #2 – Willson Contreras

It’s really simple when you think about it. All-Star-caliber catchers just do not come along that often. Willson Contreras is on pace to be the greatest Cubs catcher of all-time if he keeps up the production we’ve seen early in his career.

His passion to win is second to none and great catchers just don’t grow on trees. I don’t know what fires the crowd in Wrigley up more, a bomb to left-center or a blink-and-you-missed-it pick off throw to first, nailing a would-be go-ahead runner in a crucial spot late in a game.

The two-time All-Star currently has another year of team control and if there is one guy from a talent standpoint that needs an extension, it’s Contreras. Even if you overlook his work behind the plate, he also swings the bat well – evidenced by a career slash line of .260/.351/.458. He is also Mr. Clutch, if you haven’t noticed:

From 2016 in the NLDS to Monday night in the eighth inning, Contreras has stepped up big time over the years. Contreras is only the fourth Cubs catcher in the last 40 years to make the All-Star game and the only Cub to start multiple All-Star games in a row at the same position since a guy named Sammy Sosa. The organization will not find a catcher of his caliber easily. They must extend him and lock him up long-term.