3 teams who should trade for Cubs catcher Willson Contreras

The Nationals seem to be firmly in the market for a catcher, as they’ve been mentioned in the mix for J.T. Realmuto and as a “fallback option” for Yadier Molina if he doesn’t go back to the Cardinals. Yan Gomes is under contract though next season, but an upgrade appears to be in order.

Washington has just over $137 million in payroll committed for 2021, so signing Realmuto to a  deal he’s in line to command seems unlikely. Molina would come cheaper on no more than a two-year deal, so if there’s a more likely option of the top-two remaining free-agent catchers, it’s him.

The sample size obviously isn’t huge since the Nationals are an out-of-division opponent (38 plate appearances; 11 games), but Contreras has hit .355 with three home runs and a 1.137 OPS in his career at Nationals Park. When taking into account the caliber of Washington’s starting rotation in particular, maybe that small sample is meaningful.

The team control left on Contreras is meaningful to teams who may not want to raise payroll much this offseason. Where the Nationals sit on that is not abundantly clear, but they are still in a win-now window and have been prominently in some trade rumors. A trade for an upgrade at catcher is now viable, as the Cubs are ready to drop one in someone’s lap. That someone might well be the 2019 World Champions.