Cubs Linked to Potential Willson Contreras Replacement in Free Agency

The Chicago Cubs officially lost Willson Contreras in free agency last week as the All-Star catchers signed a five-year, $87.5 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cubs are now on the hunt for a replacement for Contreras, who had served as the team's primary backstop since 2016.

Cubs Free Agency Rumors

According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, Chicago has been linked to free-agent catcher Christian Vazquez. Vazquez, 32, played for the Boston Red Sox from 2014-2022 before being traded to the Houston Astros last season.

While Vazquez isn't the hitter that Contreras is, he's still a solid offensive contributor. Since the beginning of 2019, Vazquez has batted .271/.318/.416, which makes him one of the better bats on the catching market.

Oakland A's catcher Sean Murphy would also be a good fit for the Cubs, who have the young, controllable, MLB-ready players that the A's are seeking in return for him.

Regardless of who Chicago gets to replace Contreras, he will have big shoes to fill. Contreras made three All-Star teams and won a World Series with the Cubs, making him one of the better catchers in franchise history.