3 possible trade returns for Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras

It is a different year, but similar feeling for the Chicago Cubs fan base. Once more, the team is not a competitive ball club and, as we approach the MLB trade deadline, Jed Hoyer and company are looking like sellers.

Just as they did a year ago, the Cubs are going to try and acquire youth, so that maybe they can be very competitive once again in a couple of years. One of the names that the Cubs will likely look to trade before the August 2 deadline is All Star catcher Willson Contreras.

Although he has said he would like to stay with the Cubs for his whole career and enjoys playing in Chicago, Contreras’ time in Cubbie blue is likely coming to an end. There are a few teams that would line up right now to acquire one of the best catchers in baseball, and there’s no doubt the Cubs will move him for the highest bidder.

A recent slump was not exactly what the Cubs would have liked to see during the time leading up to the deadline, but Contreras’ value should still give them a solid return.

If the Chicago Cubs can move Willson Contreras for the right return, their future is going to be brighter.

Whether fans want to admit it or not, the Cubs are moving on from their World Series team. That roster is long gone, and Contreras is just another step towards rebuilding and hopefully soon rolling out an extremely young and bright lineup in the coming years.

When the Cubs ultimately move Contreras, though, what would they get back? He is just a rental at this point, so the Cubs probably wouldn’t get a top prospect. But, a fair return would also equal future success.

Jon Heyman recently said on-air that he would expect the Cubs to get “one really good prospect” or two “pretty good” prospects in a deal for Contreras.

Looking at the top three landing spots based on Bleacher Report’s projection, let’s see what the Cubs could get back for their All Star catcher.