Cubs: 3 teams that could make Jed Hoyer regret not trading Willson Contreras
By Rylie Smith
The Chicago Cubs were expected to trade catcher Willson Contreras by the deadline this season, and some teams could make President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer regret not doing so.
The Chicago Cubs seemed likely to trade catcher Willson Contreras by the deadline this season, but they decided to keep him instead. Contreras has been a reliable player for several years, but given his contract is up at the end of this year, it wouldn’t have been a shocker if they opted to deal him elsewhere.
However, several teams on the market could’ve helped the Cubs. Given Contreras is one of the top catchers in baseball (made the NL All-Star Team), he would’ve received a significant return. Yet, somehow, Chicago seemed disappointed by the lacking prospects they would get back in any deal.
These three teams could make Jed Hoyer regret not trading Contreras.
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres landed the biggest name at the trade deadline: Juan Soto. The Washington Nationals star was highly sought-after, but they didn’t make it easy to acquire him. The Padres acquired him with a trade package that included rookies MacKenzie Gore and C.J. Abrams, prospect Robert Hassell III (among several others), and veteran first baseman Luke Voit.
The Padres were a rumored destination for Contreras, as well as outfielder Ian Happ, but many of the young players and prospects in the Soto deal overlapped with their offer to the Cubs.
In the end, San Diego would’ve been an intriguing fit for Contreras had they not just acquired Soto. Add in their trade for Josh Hader, and Contreras would’ve improved their pitching staff even more.
If Contreras is available in free agency, expect AJ Preller to make a run at him.