MLB Rumors: Insider Picks 3 Top Willson Contreras Trade Destinations

Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras might very well top the 'most likely to be traded' list as we enter the summer trading season. Many observers are expecting the Cubs to get some assets for their impending free agent. Even if they do have a plan to try to re-sign him in the offseason. 

MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal writes in The Athletic on Monday that there are three teams to watch on this front:

1. San Francisco Giants

Rosenthal says Contreras "would make particular sense for the Giants", largely due to the fact that they recently demoted their presumed catcher of the future, Joey Bart. After the retirement of Buster Posey at the end of last season, top prospect Bart was expected to take over behind the plate. But he's struggled thus far, and is now plying his trade in Triple-A. 

Curt Casali inherited the job behind the plate for the Giants, but he's never played more than 84 games in a season, and is currently hitting .227, right around his lifetime average.

2. San Diego Padres

Another team in the tough battle in the NL West, Rosenthal figures the Pads are back in the market for a backstop, as Austin Nola has struggled this season, batting just .220 with one home run and a disappointing OPS of .568.

3. New York Mets

The Mets are also looking to get a big offensive boost from the catcher position. Contreras has re-established himself amongst the elite on the offensive side of the ball, with an OPS that's tied for best at his position. The Mets have some assets to deal, and haven't been shy about making moves. 

Rosenthal suggests other teams might emerge in this chase; he names, in particular the Tampa Bay Rays. He questions whether the New York Yankees or Houston Astros would take a chance at upending their catcher-pitcher batterymate success thus far this season. 

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