Explains why the Cubs didn’t trade Willson Contreras

Why didn’t the Cubs manage to trade catcher Willson Contreras at the MLB close? Chicago’s plans failed because of their high price.

Willson Contreras said goodbye to the Boys loyal to Wrigley Field last week during what is believed to be his last home game with the organization.

It was a foregone conclusion that the catcher would be treated without fruitful contract talks and face free agency at the end of the season.

How on earth did the MLB trade deadline expire on Tuesday with no Contreras traded?

Explains why the Cubs didn’t trade Willson Contreras

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal confirmed Neither Contreras nor Ian Happ were traded before the deadline.

What mattered was the cost.

SNY’s Andy Martino tweeted that talks between the Mets and Cubs “never really ignited”. New York has to cut the price “big” to get involved.

The Rays were also reportedly interested as they needed a catcher. The Padres were also later considered players for him.

The fact that neither of these teams pulled the trigger suggests Chicago wasn’t willing to give up its rating. They simply wanted more for Contreras than any team was willing to pay.

By not trading contreras, the Cubs have to settle for a draft pick if they lose it on the open hand, rather than a prospect or two through a trade.

Of course, there’s also a chance the club could strike a renewal deal with their long-time catcher, especially after seeing how fans reacted to his potential departure.

That option would certainly be a way for the Cubs to wipe the egg off their face in what looks like a hint of big trading dates.