If last year was any indication, it's that the Chicago Cubs aren't afraid to do the unpopular. Last year's MLB trade deadline was a painful one for Cubs fans, as they watched the team deal 2016 World Series heroes Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez and Kris Bryant. This year, the Cubs are a similarly middling team, as they are currently 33-48 and in fourth place in the National League Central. Fans should expect the Cubs to be sellers once again at the 2022 MLB trade deadline. One of their best trade chips, catcher Willson Contreras, just so happens to be enjoying an All-Star season.
An unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, the Cubs are in an eerily similar situation with Contreras as they were with Baez, Rizzo and Bryant. It doesn't mean that they'll definitely trade their star catcher.
However, it's certainly more likely, given their recent track record. But where could Willson Contreras end up if the Cubs decide to deal him.
These three teams make a lot of sense.
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3 Best Destinations For Willson Contreras At MLB Trade Deadline
3. Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays aren't known for making splashy, high-profile moves. They are often ahead of the market, not the ones racing to catch up to it.
However, Tampa Bay could make an exception for Contreras. The catching position has been a black hole for Tampa Bay, as the likes of Mike Zunino, currently injured, and Francisco Mejia have been a virtual zero offensively.
It's part of a bigger overall problem for the Rays, who have the pitching to hang with the contenders in the American League. However, their lineup, which is tied for 22nd in runs scored, pales in comparison to other top teams.
Enter Contreras. The Cubs star owns an outstanding .890 OPS with 13 homers, even chipping in three stolen bases. While not a great pitch-framer, Contreras has an excellent arm to ward off opposing base-stealers.
He would be a massive jolt for a lineup that clearly needs one. Don't be surprised if the Rays do the unconventional.
2. Mets
To quote Jurassic Park, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has “spared no expense” since he purchased the team. Multi-million dollar contracts have been signed, shiny new scoreboards have been installed and expensive new pitching machines have been utilized.
Cohen has made it clear that he will do whatever it takes to win. So far, the Mets are doing very well. They've dealt with injuries to ace pitchers Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer, yet they still sit in first place in the National League East at 50-31.
The Mets have one of the best offenses in baseball but are starting rally-killer James McCann and his .171 batting average behind the plate. It is quite rare to see a catcher dealt midway through the season.
However, remember who is involved here. Do you think Cohen cares about that? Willson Contreras would clearly make the Mets a better team- and a formidable lineup even scarier. He would look very nice slotting into a batting order with the likes of Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor. The Cubs and Mets also have proven to be good trade partners in the past, given the deal for Baez last summer.
If it comes down to it, the Mets won't hesitate to pull the trigger on a Contreras trade.
1. Astros
This is a dream fit for Contreras. The Astros have perhaps the league's best pitching staff, but their lineup has lagged a bit behind the other top teams, such as the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Houston has plenty of big boppers in Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker, Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman. However, starting catcher Martin Maldanado, along with first baseman Yuli Gurriel, has been dreadful.
Maldanado is batting .148 with seven homers in 202 plate appearances this year. That's good for a .517 OPS. Imagine slotting in Contreras and his .890 mark into a lineup with Alvarez, Tucker, Jeremy Pena, Altuve and Bregman?
That's when things start to get scary for the opposition. The Cubs star would be the perfect rental bat for the Astros, who have top prospect Korey Lee waiting in the wings.
Houston could deal for Contreras, who could help them on their World Series push in 2022. If Lee isn't quite ready, the Astros could re-sign Contreras in the offseason.
If Lee proves to be an MLB-ready backstop, the Astros can let Contreras walk in free agency. It's a win-win scenario for the Astros. It's one that they might jump at if given the opportunity.
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