Cubs: 5 players who should already be on the trade block
By Tim Boyle
These five members of the Chicago Cubs roster already look like they could be added to the trade block.
The Chicago Cubs and the MLB playoffs decided to end their relationship after the 2020 season. After such a long wait for a championship, the team finally rewarded the patient fans with one in 2016. They remained competitive for a few seasons thereafter only to dismantle the whole thing for the 2022 campaign.
The Cubs aren’t expected to do much this season yet they do have some pieces to position them in a nice spot in future years. They are a club that did spend in the offseason yet didn’t seem to do enough to compete. The results on the field could have them finishing practically anywhere in the division other than maybe last thanks to the Cincinnati Reds. With several key players also set to hit free agency after the year, we could see another big fire sale from this team.
Taking a look at some possible trade candidates on the roster from the perspective of them selling, these five players already look like they should already be on the trade block.
Cubs catcher Willson Contreras could be a hot commodity at the trade deadline
There is one reason to trade Willson Contreras and that’s to get something back in return for him. No longer a young up-and-coming backstop as he seemed to be only yesterday, Contreras is in his seventh season with the Cubs and headed to free agency this winter. The lack of an extension puts him a year behind the same fate as Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Anthony Rizzo from last summer.
Contreras has enjoyed a fine career in Chicago where he has been one of the better offensive catchers in the game. Somewhat quietly, he has also been a steady defender. Contreras has posted a positive WAR on defense in each season. It’s a quality about him that should have Chicago shopping him around this summer if they fall out of a playoff race.
Because there are also so few catchers around the league who can do what he can, expect the Cubs to get a nice haul back in return for him. For an early prediction, look for the New York Yankees to be all over trying to get him.