MLB Rumors: Here's Why Willson Contreras Was Not Traded

It seemed like the biggest slam dunk of the trade deadline: Free agent-to-be Willson Contreras would be traded by the Chicago Cubs. He even said his goodbyes in his last game for the fans at Wrigley.

But somehow, it didn't happen. Why? Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic presents the reasons: 

1. Catchers entering their 30s (Contreras will be 31) "do not always age well. Recent long-term deals for J.T. Realmuto (five years, $115.5 million), Salvador Perez (four years, $82 million) and Yasmani Grandal (four years, $73 million) all look problematic."

2. His defensive reputation: "Incorporating a new catcher is not easy for a team in the middle of a pennant race, particularly when the catcher’s defensive reputation is not the best to begin with... He is not regarded as an elite pitch framer or game caller."

3. Simply put: there was "a lack of demand." Rosenthal goes on to add, "and while he works hard, some question his willingness to accept criticism."

So Contreras will now take his wares out into free agency after the season, where he'll almost certainly have a competitive balance draft pick attached to signing him, if the Cubs give him a qualifying offer. Not the best of situations for the 7-year veteran.

In the meantime, he gets to stay in Wrigley for a couple of more months, where the love affair with the fans there will continue.

Photos Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports, David Banks-USA TODAY Sports