The Chicago Cubs could be on the verge of a major fire sale following the blockbuster trade sending Yu Darvish to the San Diego Padres.
Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports reports the Cubs are “extensively” shopping two-time All-Star catcher Willson Contreras, who is in his second year of arbitration eligibility.
The Chicago #Cubs, after trading Yu Darvish and non-tendering Kyle Schwarber, are now extensively shopping catcher Willson Contreras. Contreras is projected to earn at least $5 million and perhaps as much as $7.4 million in salary arbitration, per @mlbtraderumors
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 29, 2020
This comes as a bit of a surprise given Chicago's backup catcher, Victor Caratini, was also included in the Darvish deal. But it appears the Cubs are intent on cutting salary while acquiring some semblance of future value.
Many believed the Cubs would get top talent for Darvish, who was the runner-up for the National League Cy Young Award and has been as dominant as any guy in baseball since the 2019 All-Star break.
Chicago got multiple prospects, but nobody in the top 10 in San Diego's system. The Cubs also took back Zach Davies.
Contreras might be the second-most valuable asset on Chicago's roster, given both club control and the fact he is one of the best players at a premium position.
Teams like the Houston Astros, Washington Nationals and Toronto Blue Jays might be among those with interest in adding a backstop. But it is unknown what kind of value the Cubs are hoping to reap in a possible Contreras move. Given the precedent set by the Darvish trade, it seems the main objective is cutting payroll.
In that case, a ton of guys could be on the market. Kris Bryant and Javier Baez are logical candidates, given they will both be free agents at the end of the year. Even franchise staple Anthony Rizzo could possibly be moved if Chicago is that intent on embracing cost-cutting methods and stockpiling prospects.
Theo Epstein recently left his post as Cubs president, and now it's on Jed Hoyer to steer this ship into the future.
Follow Us
Subscribe