Making the case for and against the Cubs trading each of their young stars

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 14: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs is congratulated by Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs following his two run home run during the fourth inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on September 14, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /

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The Chicago Cubs’ Willson Contreras gestures to fans after hitting a three-run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Saturday, July 13, 2019. The Cubs won, 10-4. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) /

Willson Contreras

Two-time All-Star Willson Contreras is one of the best young catchers in baseball. At a time when the position is extremely weak, especially on the offensive side, Contreras is one of few standouts left in the league. Had he received enough plate appearances to qualify, the 27-year-old would have led all National League catchers in OPS and likely would have led the league in home runs and RBI.

Contreras is an elite two-way catcher at a time when the league is shifting away from employing a single catcher in favor of two part-time backstops. He has hit .267/.350/.470 in four years in the big leagues with 67 home runs and 227 RBI. Contreras played in only 105 games in 2019 while dealing with minor injuries but had the best year of his career to date, hitting .272/.355/.533 with 24 home runs, 64 RBI and an OPS+ of 125.

The only elite catcher on the free-agent market this year is Yasmani Grandal, leaving few options for teams looking to upgrade at the position. Several teams do have a clear need, which will make Contreras an attractive trade target. He is still three years away from free agency and made only $684,000 last season.

It’s hard to envision the Cubs trading away an elite offensive and defensive catcher whose stock is still trending upward. As good as Contreras has been, catcher is also a position that is difficult to value on the trade market due to uncertainty and injury potential. Contreras is an all-around stud behind the plate and the team has no clear replacement lined up for him.

The Cubs will have to be blown away, but should still field trade offers, especially after Grandal’s free agency plays out.

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