This Trade Between the Cubs and Angels for Willson Contreras Could Actually Work
By Chris Pyo
With Yasmani Grandal having signed a massive contract with the Chicago White Sox, the free agent market for a catcher just became a whole lot thinner. Teams in dire need of a catcher might look towards other avenues in order to solidify their backstop.
The Los Angeles Angels are one of those teams, with their catching corps consisting of Kevan Smith, Max Stassi, and Anthony Bemboom. GM Billy Eppler needs to make a move for an everyday catcher, and here's a hypothetical scenario that could work to the Angels' benefit.
Multiple teams in search of catching help believe Cubs catcher Willson Contreras will be available this winter. The Cubs will get creative this winter, and with a deep catching free agent market, they could trade Contreras and begin retooling under new manager David Ross.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 8, 2019
Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras had an injury-plagued season, but he still managed to hit 24 home runs and drive in 64 RBI's in just 105 games. As a former All-Star, teams know that he has the potential to be one of baseball's elite catchers.
Willson Contreras Contract
Contreras' contract will expire after the 2020 season, so there isn't a whole lot of control over the 27-year-old. That being said, Contreras could be open to committing his future to the Halos in hopes of locking down a long term deal. He's currently making $4.5 million per season, but is likely in line for a significant pay raise.
The Angels could potentially offer prospects Jordyn Adams and Patrick Sandoval to be the centerpiece of a trade for Contreras.
Adams was drafted No. 17 overall by the Angels in the 2019 draft, but with an outfield consisting of MIke Trout, Justin Upton and star prospect Jo Adell, there might not be any place for Adams to fit into the Angels future plans.
With the 17th pick of the 2018 #MLBDraft, the @Angels select @GHFALCONS OF Jordyn Adams: https://t.co/I4XB50yP67 pic.twitter.com/5O37udZK7Z
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) June 5, 2018
Sandoval was a heralded prospect who posted an 11-1 record with a 2.06 ERA in the minors in 2018. He found himself in the MLB in 2019 and started nine games, but posted an 0-4 record. With the Cubs, however, he could rediscover his prior form and be an asset for them.
All trades come with a price, and the Angels might be hesitant to give up both Adams and Sandoval. But if the Cubs are willing to make this deal, the Angels can't pass up on the opportunity to add one of the best catchers in the MLB, especially in an offseason that could see them land Gerrit Cole.