Cubs Rumors: 3 early suitors for Willson Contreras in free agency

Cubs Rumors: 3 early Willson Contreras suitors: #1 - St. Louis Cardinals

Last, but certainly not least, we turn our attention to the division rival Cardinals who, after two decades, are looking for an everyday catcher. Future Hall of Famer Yadier Molina hung up his spikes, along with Albert Pujols, marking a changing of the guard and end of an era in St. Louis.

I even speculated with Molina injured prior to the deadline this summer that Contreras could be on the Cardinals' radar. Then, as the year wound on, more reports connected St. Louis to the three-time All-Star - and it's clear that upgrading behind the plate remains a 'top priority' for Jon Mozeliak and his front office.

Seeing Contreras on the other side of the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry would be a dagger to the heart. You just know this guy would haunt Chicago for years to come, going from a guy we all love to one we see in our nightmares. It seems like St. Louis will face some stiff competition, even including teams not included on this list, for Contreras' services this winter - so his joining the Cardinals is far from a guarantee.

Meanwhile, the Cubs face their own questions behind the plate. Yan Gomes will return, as will PJ Higgins, but with injuries de-railing Miguel Amaya's ascent to the big leagues in recent years, it's clear that Chicago will have the catcher position on their radar this offseason, as well.