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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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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 14: Jason Heyward #22 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on May 14, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cubs defeated the Diamondbacks 4-2. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 14: Jason Heyward #22 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on May 14, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cubs defeated the Diamondbacks 4-2. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) /

3. Jason Heyward

Currently, on the Covid-Injured list, Heyward has been a disappointment for a few seasons for the Cubs. If the Cubs had attempted to trade him earlier, many teams probably showed no interest. It could be the same case for Heyward now.

Heyward’s current deal of $184 million over eight seasons expires in 2023. The Cubs will be searching for someone in need of a veteran outfielder. The St. Louis Cardinals acquired Heyward in a trade with the Atlanta Braves for Shelby Miller after the death of Oscar Tavares in 2014. After a great season with the Cardinals, he expressed a desire to not be a team’s main guy but rather in a mix with others in the clubhouse. He definitely proved that in his time with the Cubs as he fell behind the limelight of Dexter Fowler, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez, etc.

Heyward will have to step up and improve his performance, though. Currently, Heyward is hitting .208/.288/.264 with an OPS of .551. In 27 games, he has two doubles, a triple, 12 singles, seven walks, one stolen base, nine runs and four RBI. While he only has 158 home runs in his career, he has no home runs this season.

Heyward could probably benefit greatly from a change in scenery. If he doesn’t get moved at the trade deadline, the Cubs will certainly attempt to find a suitor with his free agency looming in 2024. He could provide a good veteran presence for any team.

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