Cubs are setting up for a potentially massive winter

Willson Contreras will get the Cubs a huge haul in return

Several contenders could use a proven star behind the dish and at the plate like Willson Contreras. The Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, Astros, and Giants are all potential partners for a trade and they have the prospects to make it interesting.

Let’s say hypothetically, the Cubs trade Contreras to the Mets for a package that features Brett Baty and another prospect or two. Francisco Alvarez is probably far too valuable of a prospect to get for a half-season rental of Contreras but he would be a remarkable addition at the deadline as well.

This deal would allow the Cubs to get a better look at P.J. Higgins behind the plate. Unfortunately, Miguel Amaya has not risen at the rate they believed he could a few years ago and he is just now returning from Tommy John surgery in the Arizona League.

Baty, the 20th-ranked prospect on MLB.com, would be the top prospect in the Cubs’ organization upon arrival. He would also join a list of infield prospects that includes James Triantos, Christian Hernandez and Reginald Preciado.

The Cubs have recently improved the farm system and could do some serious damage with that group if they want to try to improve the Major League roster immediately. Baty could be part of the rebuild or he could help facilitate another trade in the future.

Even if Baty is not involved in a future trade, his presence in the organization could allow the Cubs to move on from other prospects.