MLB Rumors: 2 Teams Interested in Cubs' Willson Contreras

The Chicago Cubs cleared out the old guard last season, shipping out almost all of the remnants their 2016 World Series team. Only Willson Contreras remains. But the catcher feels his days are numbered. And now we know of two teams that have come calling: the New York Yankees and the San Diego Padres. 

The signs are all there. The Cubs acquired the top catcher on the free agent market in the offseason, signing Yan Gomes to a 2-year deal. 

Bruce Levine of 670 The Score in Chicago reports that the Yankees and Padres have recently expressed interest in Contreras' availability.

The Yankees are desperate to make some kind of a splash before the season starts. They traded their long-time backstop Gary Sanchez to the Minnesota Twins, and their current duo behind the plate,  Kyle Higashioka and Ben Rortvedt (who's now injured), are unlikely to provide much offense. They could certainly use a veteran, capable bat like Contreras, who comes with the experience that a World Series ring provides.

Desperate Yankees eying Cubs’ Willson Contreras to be catching savior https://t.co/jpGPBTVWYb

— Bobby Milone (@BobbyMilone29) March 22, 2022

"It's going to be really emotional"  

The Padres already have three catchers, but are still looking for an offensive upgrade in their lineup, and could perhaps use a trade like this to unload some of the contracts they're looking to purge themselves of, like Eric Hosmer or Wil Myers. Assuming a nice prospect haul is also sent to Chicago. 

Speaking on 670 The Score, Contreras said, “This is something that is really tough for me. Personally, the relationships I have with the team, players and fans, (leaving) will be something that will be really tough to take. This is something very emotional for me, knowing all that I have had to go through to get to this point. It's going to be really tough and very emotional.”

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports