MLB Rumors: New Team Emerges As Suitor For Willson Contreras

All-Star catcher Willson Contreras confirmed earlier on Tuesday that he will not be accepting the $19.65M Qualifying Offer from the Chicago Cubs in order to become a free agent. One potential suitor has already emerged. 

#Tigers are looking at the catching market as the offseason begins. They’re interested in free agent Willson Contreras, whom Scott Harris knows from his tenure in Chicago. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 8, 2022

The Detroit Tigers are eyeing the catching market, says MLB Insider Jon Morosi, and he indicates that they're interested in Contreras.

Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris knows the backstop from their time together with the Chicago Cubs. Harris spent seven years working in the Cubs’ Baseball Operations department from 2012 through 2018, including serving as Assistant General Manager. He and Contreras celebrated a World Series together in 2016, the Cubs' first in 108 years. 

The 30-year-old Contreras has spent his entire 7-year career in the Cubs organization, and is the top catcher available on this year's free agent market. Contreras blasted 22 HR with an .815 OPS in 113 games for the Cubs in 2022. 

Tigers catchers struggled much of the season, and they've clearly prioritized an upgrade behind the plate. 

Photo: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports