Cubs: 3 notable players who won’t be on the roster by Opening Day

If there is one player not named Kris Bryant or Kyle Hendricks that could command a good return for the Cubs, it is catcher Willson Contreras.

Five years into his career, Contreras has turned into one of the better offensive catchers in the majors. The 28-year-old has slashed .265/.351/.463 with 74 home runs, 182 RBI, 227 runs scored and 437 hits to his credit. As a defender, Contreras has accumulated a .988 fielding percentage (44 errors in 3,561 defensive chances) as a catcher.

The luxury that Contreras carries is that he’s under team control for two more seasons before hitting the open market in the winter of 2022. This season, Contreras is only owed $6.65 million after settling with the Cubs before arbitration. Considering that, the Cubs should be able to get a major league player and/or prospects in exchange.

Contreras already has suitors. In mid-January, reports indicated that the Miami Marlins had interest in Contreras’ services. FanSided’s own Robert Murray reported that the Los Angeles Angels have considered making an upgrade at catcher, and Contreras’ name was one of the players brought up.

Even with these potential trading partners, it is all up to Chicago to give the thumbs up on a trade.