MLB Rumors: 3 Potential Landing Spots For Willson Contreras

The best catcher by far on the free agent market is ready to cash in. Willson Contreras would have liked to continue being a Chicago Cub, but at age 30, the Cubs just don't seem to consider him a necessary part of their rebuilding timeline. He's the last remaining vestige of the 2016 World Series champs. 

Contreras hits the ball hard, and can pretty much be counted on for better than 20 home runs a season and an OPS in the .800 range. There are plenty of teams around the majors that could use a No. 1 catcher; he will have no shortage of opportunities. 

Here now, though, three of his most likely top suitors.

Houston Astros

Deposed Astros GM James Click actually agreed on a trade with the Cubs at the deadline in August to acquire Contreras, but Astros owner Jim Crane and manager Dusty Baker put the kibosh on the deal. So why would the Astros want him now? There's a big difference between trying to acclimate a catcher mid-season for a team heading to the playoffs without throwing the pitching staff for a loop, as opposed to having a full spring training to work with the staff and establish a rapport. 

It's one of the very few unproductive positions from an offensive standpoint for the Astros, and they're thought to be one of Contreras's prime suitors.

Astros have interest in Willson Contreras. Nearly traded for him at deadline when James Click was GM. Still like him. Market should be strong for WC.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 13, 2022

Detroit Tigers

This one makes a lot of sense, as Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris worked with Contreras for several years when he was with the Cubs and knows full well the value he can bring. The Tigers are thought to be all-in on upgrading their catching this offseason, as reported by MLB Insider Jon Morosi.

#Tigers are looking at the catching market as the offseason begins. They’re interested in free agent Willson Contreras, whom Scott Harris knows from his tenure in Chicago. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 8, 2022

Minnesota Twins

The great Gary Sanchez Experiment lasted just one year in the Twin Cities, and they'll move on to Plan B to find a new offensive catcher. Between Sanchez's .205 average and Ryan Jeffers' .208, catching was probably the Twins' biggest black hole this past season. The Twins are expected to take a serious run at Contreras, and adding a No. 1 catcher like that would be a big boon to this lineup. 

Photo: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports