Yankees: A Willson Contreras trade the Cubs can’t refuse

The New York Yankees could give the Chicago Cubs a trade offer they can’t refuse to get All-Star catcher Willson Contreras.

The Yankees need a catcher after parting ways with Gary Sanchez and their best option to fill that gap is apparently on the trade block in Chicago.

The Cubs haven’t been able to work out a new contract with their catcher, who is set to hit the free agent market following this season.

Much as they did last year with Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez, it makes sense to get something back for Contreras if the alternative is to let him walk for free.

New York can take advantage of that situation, but only if they’re willing to pay the price. As an All-Star catcher, Contreras will have plenty of suitors for Chicago to negotiate with.

Yankees: A Willson Contreras trade the Cubs can’t refuse

It may take an offer the Cubs can’t refuse to get them to send Contreras to the big apple. That means giving up one of New York’s top prospects along with a couple of arms.

Austin Wells is the No. 5 prospect in the Yankees organization at catcher but he’s still a ways from contributing in the majors. Giving him up as a long-term prospect wouldn’t happen lightly.

Still, this is a question of winning a World Series in 2022. Contreras would give NY a significantly better chance to win now, even if he turned out to be just a rental.

Gómez and Garcia are pitching prospects who would sweeten the pot for Chicago.

The former is 22 and ranks No. 8 in the system. The latter is 23 with a ranking of 28th and could develop into a bullpen arm.

Sending three prospects away for Contreras is a high price to pay. The Yankees are no strangers to high prices though.