Willson Contreras already went by way of his Wrigley Field goodbyes two months in the past when a commerce felt imminent.
This time, with one other looming departure, Contreras merely desires to have enjoyable together with his Chicago Cubs teammates.
Contreras got here off the injured record Tuesday and was again within the lineup because the designated hitter, his first sport since Aug. 30. The collection opener towards the Philadelphia Phillies kicked off the ultimate six-game homestand — and the final assured days of Contreras taking part in in entrance of the house crowd on the North Side.
Contreras, who had been sidelined by a left ankle sprain, expressed earlier than the sport the significance of having the ability to return for the ultimate homestand.
“We all know I’ve been here for 14 years, and we don’t know if there’s a real goodbye or just a moment for a few months,” he stated. “That’s what I can do at this point, have fun and do the best I can.”
As a lot as Contreras is attempting to simplify what could be his remaining 9 video games with the Cubs — together with a season-ending three-game collection in Cincinnati — he admittedly has thought so much about what comes subsequent in free company.
“But at the same time, I don’t control the market, so the market will speak for itself,” Contreras stated. “We want to just do it and see what happens.”
Questions already encompass Contreras’ free-agent outlook. He turns 31 in May and has handled lower-body accidents throughout his profession, a regarding mixture for a catcher. His energy manufacturing, nevertheless, places him among the many finest at his place offensively. Contreras has a 129 OPS+ in 107 video games this yr, a part of a four-year stretch that encompasses a 119 OPS+.
Although he doesn’t grade out extremely as a pitch framer, his arm and back-pick skill add worth, a notable energy with bases rising in measurement subsequent season, which may enhance steal makes an attempt.
Without offering specifics, Contreras has an thought of what he’s searching for in his subsequent staff. Asked whether or not successful or monetary safety is extra necessary, he as an alternative cited a big-picture need.
“For me, it’s more feeling that I want to be somewhere that I’m wanted,” he replied. “I want to feel like they’re going to appreciate what I do on and off the field. They appreciate what I bring to the clubhouse and what I can do.”
The Cubs seem poised to increase a qualifying supply to Contreras by the November deadline. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer indicated on the commerce deadline they didn’t transfer Contreras as a result of different groups didn’t supply the suitable worth.
For the Cubs, receiving a compensatory draft decide for Contreras was a part of the equation — if he turns down the qualifying supply and indicators elsewhere.
Contreras took a diplomatic method and plans to maintain his choices open ought to the Cubs give him a qualifying supply.
“I’m not going to give you an answer,” he stated. “I’m going to wait and see what’s next. But we have to consider it.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com