Willson Contreras is set to become a free agent for the first time in his career following seven major league seasons with the Cubs and fourteen overall in their organization. The Cubs are expected to extend a qualifying offer (around $19 million), so they will receive draft pick compensation if he signs elsewhere, but the draft-pick cost has been significantly reduced under the new collective bargaining agreement.
NBC Sports Chicago’s Gordon Wittenmyer asked him if he has considered what it might be like going to the other side of the rivalry when Yadier Molina retires after the season, “Oh, yeah, for sure,” Contreras said.
Contreras said that he hasn’t talked to Molina yet about what it’s like with the Cardinals but he has talked to his former teammate and close friend, Jose Quintana.
“He said it’s a really good team and he likes it there,” Contreras said. “But we don’t know what’s going to happen. If they want me there, I’ll be there. If they want me here, I’ll be here. I don’t know what’s going to happen”.
Quintana is a pending free agent as well, but he wants to be back next season too, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville Democrat.
Jeff Jones on Twitter: “José Quintana said that Willson Contreras did reach out for some intel on the #stlcards and he gave him a strong recommendation. Would Quintana himself want to be back next year? “Oh for sure.” / Twitter”
José Quintana said that Willson Contreras did reach out for some intel on the #stlcards and he gave him a strong recommendation. Would Quintana himself want to be back next year? “Oh for sure.”
The Cardinals checked on Contreras at the trade deadline.
He has been National League’s starting catcher in three of the last four All-Star games and would be an offensive upgrade who is dependable and durable. He hit .243 (.815 OPS) with 22 HR and 55 RBI on a struggling Cubs team this season.
It’s expected that the 30-year old Contreras will want a five-year contract worth $100 million.
