Chicago Cubs News: tipping our cap to Willson Contreras

Chicago Cubs News: tipping our cap to Willson Contreras

As the trade deadline approached, it was almost a certainty that both Contreras and all-star teammate Ian Happ were going to be moved. The team was not winning and no progress had been made in extension talks for either player. Hanging onto the two without getting anything in return should they choose to move on just did not seem to make any sense. The final home game prior to the deadline on July 26th was a win, but it felt bittersweet at Wrigley Field.

In the end, though, neither player was traded. President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer came out and said no offer matched the level of value and talent that would have been leaving. The entire month of July was taxing and tolling to Contreras, it had to be. Plus, it had to be a little awkward being all but guaranteed being dealt and then staying put. But still, he remained a professional and finished out the season as the leader he is - no one expected any different.

Contreras was extended a qualifying offer from the Cubs after the season concluded that was almost immediately declined. After that, from the public eye, talks between the all-star catcher and the ball club were non-existent. It is truly unknown to anyone outside the two sides if it was a fundamental disagreement, a financial separation, or a combination of those and other factors that led to the separation. But Contreras is now a Cardinal.