The Cubs trade deadline decision could haunt them

Keeping Willson Contreras around sounds good in theory. Cubs fans can celebrate their star catcher for at least a few more months. But there is a dark side.

opposites He was expected to be negotiated at the close of business as he is on an expiring contract and the Cubs have not offered him a realistic extension since 2018.

However, Chicago could not find a suitor who would meet her asking price. So they struggled and held him past that 6 p.m. ET deadline.

Does that mean they’ve reconsidered and will keep him for the long term? That feels unlikely. Jed Hoyer is happy to attach a qualifying offer to Contreras this off-season and get a comp pick for him. While we can (rightfully) question him for this, it appears to be front office decision-making.

Could that fall back on Hoyer and Co.?

Willson Contrera Rumors: Rival is a perfect suitor

With Yadier Molina likely to retire this offseason, the Cardinals will be looking for a new catcher. Unless the Cubs re-sign him, St. Louis makes a lot of sense.

This wouldn’t be the first time a former Cub-turned-Cardinal has haunted the Windy City. Does Lou Brock look familiar?

It is premature to compare Contreras to Brock at this point, but why open that door at all? By keeping Contreras in Chicago, the Cubs not only lessened their potential return, but also removed any chance of the backstop becoming stuck with a contender this season.

Who knows? With the right organization, he might have been more inclined to sign there rather than test the free hand.

Instead, Contreras will head into the unknown with no attachment to the Cubs and little reason to regret signing with a rival.