Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras is set to hit free agency after the 2022 season, and he reportedly already has an eye on just what he will be looking for later this year.
According to a report from the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, Contreras will likely be aiming to sign off on a contract worth $100 million-plus. The veteran catcher also aspires to put pen to paper on a five-year contract agreement, which would then see him earn at least $20 million per season.
A $20 million per year deal for Contreras would make him the third highest-paid catcher in MLB today based on average annual value. Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto signed off on a $23.1 million AAV deal last year, while Kansas City Royals slugger Salvador Perez agreed to a $20.5 million AAV contract in March 2021.
As mentioned, Contreras will become a free agent later in the year. He was arbitration-eligible for the ongoing campaign, but Cubs team officials ended up coming to terms with him on a $9.625 million salary to avoid heading to an arbitration hearing on June 9.
On Contreras’ part, he did note earlier in the year that he is “always” open to engaging in talks with the Cubs about an extension deal. However, Heyman did add last month that the team has not come “close” to extending the veteran catcher. The MLB insider further noted that Contreras is set to be a “popular” trade target this season, which comes as the Cubs currently sit in fourth place in the NL Central standings with a 23-33 record.
Contreras has continued his stout start to the 2022 campaign, posting a .318 batting average to go along with two home runs recorded so far in June. He also leads the team in multiple hitting stats, including in OBP (.403).
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