Willson Contreras, Chicago Cubs. (Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)
The Chicago Cubs have let the NL Central division lead slip out of their hands of late.
After an outstanding May and a strong start to June, the Chicago Cubs find themselves 6.5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central standings entering Fourth of July weekend.
We are entering a critical stretch of the season for the Cubs. If they can turn it around in the next few weeks and get back into the NL Central race, the front office might end up being buyers at the 2021 MLB trade deadline. Should the Cubs continue to struggle like they have in the last two weeks, they may be forced to be sellers to help jump start an inevitable rebuild on the North Side.
If the Cubs are forced to be sellers, here are the three most valuable trade assets at the deadline.
Chicago Cubs news and rumors: 3 most valuable trade assets
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Willson Contreras
C Chicago Cubs
While the Cubs don’t have to trade him, they can get more than they bargained for in a blockbuster deal featuring backstop Willson Contreras. The two-time NL All-Star is slashing .231/.335/.424 on the year with 13 home runs and 30 runs batted in over the course of 72 games. The 29-year-old Venezuelan catcher is arbitration-eligible in 2022 and won’t be hitting free agency until 2023.
Even if the Cubs are heading towards a rebuild at some point, one would think Contreras may stick with Chicago through the first half of next season, in case they need more assets to trade ahead of next year’s deadline. However, putting an All-Star catcher who is in the midst of his prime on the trading block has the potential to land the Cubs more than most players who could be available.
Ultimately, the Cubs don’t need to deal Contreras just yet because they have other assets who are on expiring deals they might want to get something for first. With that in mind, it would serve Chicago to at least be willing to field offers for him, just to see what the market is. Should the Cubs part ways with Contreras ahead of this deadline, that would only signify that they are rebuilding.
While moving Contreras is possible, there are more pressing deals to be made if you are the Cubs.