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Cubs: Willson Contreras and 3 more veterans worth selling at trade deadline

By Miranda Remaklus

May 13, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) throws down to first base for the out in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) throws down to first base for the out in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Months after trading away several star players, the Chicago Cubs head into June well on their way to possible trading away more stars to shed payroll.

At 18-25, the Cubs sit in third place, tied with the Pittsburgh Pirates, in the NL Central 9.5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers. As we get deeper into the season and with the August 2 trade deadline just around the corner, the Cubs will once against have to make some moves to get better enough to compete in the NL Central.

While losing Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, and Kris Bryant was painful for Cubbie fans, fans know that shedding that payroll and getting young talent in exchange was important. Furthermore, fans know that more work is needed.

The dynasty the Cubs hoped to grow with the 2016 World Series championship didn’t pan out. It’s time to move on and develop more young talent in hopes of building something Cub fans can be proud of going forward.

Let’s take a look at some of the players the Cubs may try to trade away before the trade deadline.

1. Willson Contreras

At 30, Contreras will be a free agent in 2023. He was arbitration-eligible this season but his contract is TBD at this time due to the delay of arbitration proceedings due to the lockout. This seems disrespectful to Contreras given how important he is to the Cubs as a leader on the field.

This season, Contreras has played 25 games behind the plate and nine as the club’s designated hitter. He’s hitting .258/.382/.458 with an OPS of .840, a .302 BABIP, 16 walks, seven doubles, one triple, five home runs, a stolen base, 24 runs, and 14 RBI.

Unfortunately, behind the plate, he hasn’t been that successful with -4 defensive runs saved.

Contreras has been rumored to be on the trade block for several seasons. He has to be personally frustrated and ready to move on to a location where he can play without the Northside drama. Fans should expect to see Contreras moved as the Cubs will want to make sure they get something in exchange for him before he is eligible for free agency this offseason.

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