Cubs Trade Rumors: Teams Worry How Willson Contreras Would Mesh with New Pitchers

Willson Contreras may have to play a different position for a new team if he is traded before the August 2 deadline.

Multiple teams are concerned about how well he meshes with a new pitching staff if he is traded.

He has been one of the best offensive catchers in baseball. He is fourth in FanGraphs WAR at the position.

Over the past seven seasons, Contreras has ranked third in on-base percentage and fourth in slugging percentage. He is one of five catchers with at least 100 homers in the last year.

The defense behind the plate has been a problem for the man. Passan said the 30-year-old is not known for his game-calling ability as a catcher. He is ranked 41st out of 60 catchers with a called-strike rate.

In 40 games since June 1, the Cubs have acknowledged Contreras' defensive limitations based on the nearly equal split of starts he has made at catcher anddesignated hitter.

Passan claims that the New York Mets and Houston Astros are interested in talking to the Cubs.

The Mets are in a five-way tie for fifth in defensive value from the catching position. The Astros have a score of 3.5 out of a possible 5.

As a trade option for a contender in the playoffs, Contreras' bat is the most appealing. Baseball's offense is down this season, with catchers struggling to make a difference. Only 10 teams have an on- base percentage over.300.

The salary for interested teams will be less than that of Contreras. He will be able to sign a free agent contract at the end of the year.

If the Cubs want to build for the future, they need to move Contreras before the trade deadline.