5 Chicago Cubs that will be part of the next core

5 Chicago Cubs that Will be Part of the Next Core – #1: Willson Contreras

All-Star catcher Willson Contreras tops our list here. The fiery catcher has been an integral part of the team both on offense and defense since his time with the Cubs – which started back in 2016.

Currently having a down year offensively, his overall career slash is still .258/.348/.455. Defensively, he leads the league in pickoffs by a catcher since being called up. He now is a solid veteran on a team that is becoming younger as the the days go on. His fiery passion to win has the ability to hype his whole team up and provide that spark to get the line up going.

Contreras has openly stated he wants to be extended and is happy with the idea of the front office building around him. The Chicago Cubs would be extremely smart to lock him up and throw away the key. It was rare that you get the opportunity to have a catcher notch a pair of All-Star nods this early in his career. Should Contreras walk once his contract expires at the end of next season, he would be sorely missed in the catcher spot and would instantly be picked up by another team.

The leadership and veteran presence Contreras can provide to a younger ball club is also crucial. He is a motivator who consistently fires up him teammates and the crowd whenever he makes a big play with his bat or with his arm. The Cubs would be remiss if they do not extend Willson Contreras.