Cubs Willson Contreras: Deep Waiver Wire Add

By Bill Pivetz | Jun 20, 2016

Jun 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cubs called up another top prospect on Friday. Willson Contreras made his debut on Sunday in a big way, with a two-run pinch-hit home run.

The Chicago Cubs farm system seems to have an unlimited supply of talented prospects. Most recently, the team called up Willson Contreras on Friday. The No. 1 catching prospect made his in-game debut on Sunday with a thunderous two-run home run. If you are in a deeper league and need catching help, pick up Contreras before it’s too late.

The Cubs lost Kyle Schwarber early in the season to a torn ACL and LCL. While he wasn’t going to play catcher this season, he had catcher eligibility in most leagues. With the injury, fantasy owners rushed to the waiver wire to find a replacement. Luckily, there were plenty of other players to be added.

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The Cubs moved on with Miguel Montero and David Ross splitting time behind the plate. Despite the team’s success this season, neither man is hitting well. Montero has a .202 average with three home runs nd 15 RBI while Ross has a .245 average, five home runs and 22 RBI. Because of the split time, neither is worth owning in standard leagues.

With the Cubs’ sights set on the World Series, a move needed to be made. Enter Willson Contreras.

In 54 Triple-A games this season, he hit .350/.439/.591 with nine home runs, 43 RBI and a 32:28 K:BB ratio. His numbers show that he is more of a contact guy with some power potential. I wouldn’t be surprised if he reached double-digit home runs though.

With this move, the Cubs now have three catchers on their roster. Willson Contreras should get some playing time at catcher, but manager Joe Maddon could use him elsewhere. With the injuries the Cubs have and flexibility of Contreras (he’s played at first, third and the outfield as well), and he could have a big impact in the second half of the season.

Next: Steven Moya: Deep Waiver Add

After just the one at bat (for a home run), Willson Contreras has been added in 27.4 percent of leagues. Some of owners may have even added him before his appearance on Sunday. He is getting the start on Monday, so we get to see him in a full game.

I would wait on adding Contreras. It’s been just one at bat. I want to see him take a few more swings before I rush to the waiver wire. Depending on your league and lineup, you may need to jump on that bandwagon though.

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