MLB Rumors: Sure Sign That Cubs To Trade Willson Contreras

Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras has long been talked about as one of the most likely players to be traded at the deadline. But maybe someone forgot to tell Contreras about that. As noted by MLB Insider Jon Heyman, Contreras has been expecting the Cubs to deliver him a contract extension offer.

“I’ve been here for 14 years,” Contreras said. “I’d love to stay of course.” 

But from the complete absence of a Cubs' offer, we can draw the conclusion, as Heyman opines, that Contreras "surely will be on the move, whether he wants to go or not."

The 30-year-old three-time All-Star will be a free agent at season's end, and just like his 2016 World Champion brethren last year—Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Javy Baez—Contreras will almost certainly be bidding adieu to the North Side within the next two weeks.

Patrick Mooney of The Athletic concurs: "It would be shocking if the Cubs didn’t trade Contreras before the Aug. 2 deadline, trying to salvage what’s left of their 35-57 season.

MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal discusses Contreras's possible trade market, and the New York Mets' chances of dealing for him:

The @Mets have their sights set high as the trade deadline approaches. Is the Cubs' Willson Contreras a good fit for them? @Ken_Rosenthal has more on this: pic.twitter.com/48x1JQpG7E

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 18, 2022

Rosenthal doubts the Mets go get him due to their own young catching prospect Francisco Alvarez. 

Contreras is batting .253 with an .821 OPS, with 13 home runs and 35 RBIs, and could certainly help a lot of contending teams with offense from the catching position. 

When he goes, the last connection to the 2016 world champions will go with him. 

Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports