Willson Contreras rumors: 5 free agent destinations to make the Cubs pay

ST. LOUIS, MO - JUNE 26: Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs hits a two RBI single during the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on June 26, 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Kane/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - JUNE 26: Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs hits a two RBI single during the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on June 26, 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Kane/Getty Images) /
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Willson Contreras rumors, Chicago Cubs
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 03: Catcher Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs looks on during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on June 03, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

5 free agency destinations for Willson Contreras: San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants are both a logical trade and free agent destination for Willson Contreras. In fact, they’re probably the best team suited to acquire him at the trade deadline this year. He plays in a different city and isn’t within the National League Central where the Cubs may feel like they’re handing a championship to a rival i.e. the Cardinals.

Contreras signing with the Giants might not be so painful for Cubs fans but he can certainly make Chicago pay. His presence on another National League team for the next few years could keep the Cubs from getting back into the playoffs. The postseason may have expanded to six teams but the Cubs would need a few more to have any near-future shot at playing more than 162 games.

The Giants were shocked when Buster Posey retired after a successful 2021 season. They’ve been spinning their wheels this season trying to find a solution behind the plate. Contreras is the kind of guy they could acquire from the Cubs just as they did Kris Bryant last year. The difference would be that he could be a candidate for them to quickly extend.

Contreras would pick up where Posey left off. His legacy in San Francisco showed the fans how valuable a catcher that can hit is. We all know Contreras can give them that much.