3 moves for the Chicago Cubs this offseason
By David Hill
Trade Willson Contreras
Trading a key piece to the lineup would seemingly be the antithesis of building a contender. But the Chicago Cubs should consider a deal for Willson Contreras regardless.
He was a popular trade candidate last offseason, with teams such as the Yankees and Marlins listed as possibilities. The Yankees still need a catcher as they are seemingly done with Gary Sanchez, and may be willing to send the Cubs the type of trade package that they could use to pry Contreras away.
A trade also seems to make sense as there is no traction for an extension. Contreras had said that he wanted to know the Cubs’ plans to build a contending franchise once again before commiting to such a deal, and there has been silence since. Clearly, the Cubs are not interested in giving him that information.
It is possible that the Cubs could keep Contreras on board with a strong start to the season. But that appeared to be the case last year as well before everything fell apart. He may not be willing to engage in those talks until closer to the end of the season, leaving the Cubs to run the risk that he could walk without any compensation.
That is not a risk the Chicago Cubs can afford to take at this point. Even though it would seem counterintuitive, it would make sense to trade Willson Contreras.