Mets: 3 trade deadline targets New York should avoid

1. New York Mets trade candidate to avoid: Willson Contreras

The Chicago Cubs jettisoned all their elite-level talent last summer by trading Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Anthony Rizzo at the trade deadline. The last remaining piece from Chicago’s championship core is still in the Windy City.

Willson Contreras has been terrific at the plate this season. The Cubs’ backstop will be among the most highly sought after players at the trade deadline. Being that he plays a valuable position, the Cubbies will be looking to break the bank in terms of return for two months of Contreras’ services.

The juice will not be worth the squeeze, if you know what I mean. Contreras will be a free agent after this season and will be command a huge paycheck during the offseason. With Francisco Alvarez, one of the best prospects in all of baseball ascending through the Mets’ farm system, New York has no reason to look for a longterm answer behind the plate.

James McCann, who’s currently recovering from wrist surgery, should be back in a few weeks. While the veteran catcher has yet to live up to his massive four-year contract, his presence on the roster is enough for New York to stay away from adding Willson Contreras at the deadline.

Expect the Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Tampa Bay Rays to all look at bringing Contreras on board. As for the New York Mets, they have other needs that warrant their consideration.