Mets rumors: Willson Contreras trade cost more than desired

The New York Mets are interested in Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras but they might not be willing to pay for him.

The New York Mets are definitely going to be buyers at the trade deadline with their 62-37 record on the season. One of the areas that they need to address is at catcher and Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras is, by far, the best catcher on the market.

Defensively, they have been above average, as their 6 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) is tied for fourth-best in the sport. However, offensively at the catching position, they only have a 52 wRC+ as a team, which is 48 percent below league average and second-worst in baseball.

That’s why, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Mets are one of a few teams interested. But the asking price is still higher than the Mets would like.

The New York Mets want Willson Contreras but think the asking price is still high

Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras is the best catcher on the trade market and the Cubs, apparently, have a very high asking price for them. Contreras, 30, is a free agent after the season so with being a rental, some teams are balking at the asking price, including the New York Mets.

However, Contreras has hit .252/.369/.460 with an OPS+ of 132. He also has 14 home runs, 37 RBI, and 20 doubles. He also was an All-Star for the third time in his career and was the starting catcher for the National League in the All-Star Game earlier this month.

With the Mets trying to get some more offense, like they did in trading for designated hitter/first baseman Daniel Vogelbach, Contreras would be a huge help for them in that department. However, it seems like one of the teams is going to have to blink before a move is made.

By Tuesday, the Cubs will want to unload Contreras to get something for him so whether it’s to the Mets or another team, Contreras will almost certainly be traded.