Cubs: Ranking the top 5 offseason needs for Chicago

Ranking the top 5 offseason needs for the Cubs: #3 – Who’s behind the dish?

Extend Willson Contreras, you cowards.

After Chicago decided not to trade the three-time All-Star catcher at the trade deadline, we were all left with some major questions. It seemed inconceivable that none of the offers the Cubs received were more valuable than the compensatory draft pick they’d receive if they extend Contreras a qualifying offer at season’s end, only to have him sign elsewhere in free agency.

Given the complete lack of impact options available in free agency, the age of Yan Gomes and the fact Miguel Amaya hasn’t handled a full season’s workload since 2019, it’s hard to imagine Hoyer not hammering something out to keep Contreras in Wrigleyville long-term.

Perhaps the organization is thinking of pivoting from fielding an offensive catcher like Contreras to more defensive-minded backstops, ones who can help mentor the crop of young arms that will be making its way to Chicago in 2023 and beyond. We’ll soon have our answer, but Contreras still looks like the clear-cut top option out there this winter.