3 possible trade returns for Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras

The Chicago Cubs could trade Willson Contreras to the Houston Astros

Currently with a comfortable league in the AL West, the Houston Astros are once again looking to secure a World Series victory — this time, maybe they play fair.

That was a fair jab, but back to the subject at hand. If the Astros would like to land Contreras, they could offer the Cubs a package similar to the following.

First up, the Cubs would get the Astros’ no. 10 overall prospect in outfielder Tyler Whitaker (rankings based on MLB official website rankings). Whitaker is just 19 years old, which sticks with the theme of these Cubs being a better ball club a couple of years down the road. Much of the Cubs’ system is full of younger kids who should be excellent pro ball players between 2023-2025.

Whitaker fits that bill, so acquiring a youngster like him makes sense. The former Bishop Gorman High standout is 6-foot-4 and would come to the Cubs after being drafted by Houston in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Possessing a strong bat and good speed, Whitaker offers the Cubs a potential power hitter who is also an above-average athlete in the field.

Second, the Cubs would land the Astros’ number 27 overall prospect in 18-year-old outfielder Luis Baez. Again sticking with youth, the Cubs get a power hitter with a big arm who could debut a couple of years down the road.