Cubs: 1 player who boosted trade value in spring training

If the Chicago Cubs are in full sell mode, they should consider dealing Willson Contreras while he’s putting up big numbers.

Contreras has emerged as one of the better offensive catchers in all of baseball, so any trade would surely bring back a respectable return. Also, if the Cubs are being honest with themselves about a rebuild, Contreras will not be a part of it, as Chicago needs to refurbish their farm system.

In spring training, Contreras is batting .310 with 3 home runs, 7 RBIs and a 1.136 OPS. Just behind Contreras on the depth chart is Austin Romine, who is also having a respectable spring, but in far fewer games (3) and at-bats (9). Assuming Romine is the short-term replacement for Contreras were he to be dealt, it’s reassuring from Jed Hoyer’s perspective to see the drop-off perhaps isn’t as severe as initially thought.

Should the Chicago Cubs trade Willson Contreras?

Trading away any star player is tough for a fanbase to accept. It’s even tougher when that star plays a premium position. Yet, Hoyer knows it’s unlikely the Cubs bring back Contreras when his contract expires after the 2022 season. The fact he has more than one year left on his contract makes him an attractive commodity to any contender.

From the outset, it appears the Cubs intend to keep Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez, whose contracts expire after the 2021 season. Contreras and Kris Bryant, however, may not be in Hoyer’s long-term vision for the franchise.

Losing any member of the 2016 World Series-winning core will bring with it some fan outrage. That’s something Hoyer must accept. Ownerships has made it clear they intend to retool from within, and part of that is trading young stars before they hit free agency. The Cubs must pick and choose, and Contreras can deliver an immediate upgrade in their farm system.

If the Cubs do intend on trading Contreras at some point, it makes sense not to wait much longer.