Chicago Cubs, White Sox land players on Bleacher Report MLB Top 50
Willson Contreras
Well, I guess Contreras didn’t technically “make” the list. The burgeoning Chicago Cubs star catcher got some props as an honorable mention next to names like Kevin Kiermaier, Alex Bregman and Byron Buxton.
Not bad company, when it’s all said and done. And in the end, if he continues on his current trajectory, they can’t keep him off of this list much longer.
"Willson Contreras, C, Chicago Cubs 2017 WAR: 3.9 Willson Contreras is a 25-year-old catcher who put up an .845 OPS as a rookie and an .855 OPS as a sophomore. The only things that stand between him and superstardom are better health and improved defensive consistency."
I would add to this the fact that Contreras is only entering his third big league season. As such, he hasn’t perhaps developed the track record to make it on this list just yet, in conjunction with his health.
Plus, add a little more consistency to his pitch framing, and his defense has the capability to be absolutely elite. We don’t need to ask about his throwing arm, though. That’s fine, thanks.
And to think, some people actually have to stand up to throw darts. Not Willson Contreras. pic.twitter.com/kH1RYcMzu6
— Cubs Insider (@realcubsinsider) May 2, 2017
If he keeps hitting like he did in the second half last season with some defensive growth, he’ll be the best catcher in the league next year. Then, Yadier Molina will be eating his heart out. Hopefully.