The Chicago Cubs are kicking off the 2022 MLB season in front of their home fans. As they look to bounce back after trading away most of their World Series-winning core, they have yet to figure out the contract for one of the players that remains: catcher Willson Contreras.

According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said that they are planning to go to an arbitration hearing with Contreras midseason.

Contreras could be a hot commodity on the trade market. The New York Yankees have an interest in him. The two-time All-Star hit 21 home runs with a slash line of .237/.340/.438 across 128 games last season. He is a strong hitter and is a good pitch framer.

Opting for arbitration is not a great look for the Cubs, whose payroll is just above the league average. The 29-year-old Conteras is well-deserving of a long-term deal. He is projected to be one of the team's key hitters, as he is hitting third in their lineup on Opening Day against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Although Chicago isn't looking to be championship contenders, they made some big moves in the offseason by signing pitcher Marcus Stroman and outfielder Seiya Suzuki to big deals. They want to be a solid team and Contreras would certainly help them. Running the risk of losing him in free agency for the sake of paying less money in the short term is risky.

Contreras is looking to win in Chicago. The franchise should honor his desire to win and sign him to a contract.