An extension by Willson Contreras is more likely than you think

A Willon Contreras contract extension could be closer for the Chicago Cubs than many realize.

Chicago Cubs Fans were scratching their heads on the last day of the MLB trade deadline as they went to bed with Willson Contreras still on the list. Considered one of this year’s hottest trade contenders, if not the best, the problem with dealing with him was pretty clear.

Because of the position he plays, there just haven’t been many applicants for Contreras. The New York Mets were unwilling to pay the price. The same was probably true of the typically trade-savvy Tampa Bay Rays. With so few teams bidding, the Cubs were left to keep him.

Was it a disaster? Not quite. A Contreras expansion could be closer than most fans realise.

Cubs have many avenues to signing a contract extension with Willson Contreras

Contreras will no doubt receive a qualifying offer later this year. If he declines, the Cubs will receive draft pick compensation. They probably feel that anyone they can pick up with this choice is better than the offers they received for Contreras. It’s a good situation for them.

What about the player?

If Contreras declines the qualifying offer, he could still return to Chicago on a shorter contract with opt-outs. At 30, Contreras is about the same age as JT Realmuto when he re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. Although this free-agent signing has the potential to age poorly, the Cubs could always watch something with a higher AAV over a shorter period of time.

The free hand was turned on its head last winter when Carlos Correa signed a huge deal with the Minnesota Twins that included an opt-out after just one year. Contreras wouldn’t get paid nearly as much, but with a shorter deal, the Cubs or someone else could make sure he gets whatever money he feels.

Contreras can relate a little more to the Chicago front office during the off-season. Landing spots won’t suddenly increase in the off-season, although some clubs might surprise us. To give the Cubs fans some nausea, the St. Louis Cardinals might be a place where he might even end up in the free hand.

The Cubs will end up with at least one extra draft pick. They bring back at most one of the best hitting catchers in the game. The rebuild doesn’t have to take long if they make other smart moves in view of a potential Contreras contract extension.