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Willson Contreras had quite the game Wednesday. The veteran collected two extra-base hits, including a monster home run, and threw out a runner on the basepaths. This is nothing new. Highlight-reel plays have come aplenty for the 29-year-old catcher since he debuted during the 2016 title run season. What is different now is for the first time in his six seasons, Willson entered this season as the best player on the roster. Everything may sound perfect, but the discussion surrounding the two-time all-star is mostly focused on an expected departure from the team.
Willson Contreras said he has learned to take trade talk as a compliment. In 2019, he says they were more of a distraction for him.
WC: "Now, I'm really good with it. When you hear trade rumors, it's because you're doing something good on the field that another team might want."
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 23, 2022
Contract Issues
Contreras entered 2022 going into his last arbitration-eligible season. When the deadline for teams and their respective players to negotiate passed, the two sides were unable to reach a deal. Settling at a hearing for a one year-deal is extremely frustrating. Especially for a player who has been very vocal about wanting a contract extension in the past.
Willson Contreras will listen if the Cubs want to discuss an extension after the fire sale: “I would love to stay here. I love Chicago. I love my city. I love the team. This is the only team that I’ve played for. If they want to rebuild around me, I’m open to talks.”
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) July 31, 2021
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Despite the writing all but being on the wall for a departure, there is one important new aspect that very well could lead to Contreras finishing his career in the same place it began.
Universal DH
Forty-nine years after the original implementation of the DH in 1973, the National League finally has a permanent DH. This is significant for two reasons:
First being obvious, the Cubs will be able to carry another impact bat on their roster going forward. The modern-day platoon approach will lead to most teams taking on multiple bats for DH. Regardless, there will be a need to shell out money to fill another starting position.
The big reason this relates to Contreras’ future is his current position. Catcher’s careers only last an average of 5 seasons. In fact, over half of the catchers in MLB history did not make it past 3 seasons in the big leagues. Willy has improved immensely on defense throughout his career, but his long-term value comes with a bat in his hand. The new DH option allows for David Ross to rest Contreras’ legs more often. Cutting back on the number of games behind the plate in each of the coming seasons has vast benefits. Being DH multiple times a week would allow the veteran to have loose legs for later in the season and benefit his overall longevity.
Given that Willson has 52 career appearances (29 starts) across the outfield, first base, and third base; shifting between different positions shouldn’t be an issue. As seen with Kris Bryant, the ability to move around the diamond is a trait that can put a lot of money in both a player’s and team’s pockets.
Will it Actually Happen?
My gut still tells me that Contreras will be on his way out by mid-season. Poor performance may force the front office to get a return on what remains of their investment. However, with the emergence of Seiya Suzuki the Cubs suddenly may have two All-Star caliber hitters back in their lineup. If power numbers return for Patrick Wisdom & Frank Schwindel, the Cubs have the ability to score lots of runs. It’s easy to say there are too many what-ifs stacked together, but the Cubs seem closer to competing than appears on paper.
If promising signs lead the Cubs towards making a splash in free agency, then why not explore bringing Contreras back as well? Willson is the longest-tenured Cub, as he signed all the way back in 2009 as a 13-year-old. His leadership and experience winning a World Series are unmatched. Only time will tell what happens, but a new door may have opened to fix what has mostly been a sticky situation.
