Willson Contreras Hints at Major Change With Latest Free Agency Comments

The 2022 MLB regular season was a rollercoaster ride for Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras. Surrounded by trade rumors before the season even began, Contreras remained on Chicago's roster past the Aug. 2 trade deadline.

Those same trade rumors immediately turned into speculation around his long-term future with the organization and impending free agency, a theme that followed him all the way into the final week of the campaign.

Add in some potential final goodbyes at Wrigley Field, and it's been a dramatic year for the Cubs' backstop.

Although he's handled the situation with grace every step of the way, Contreras recently opened up about his impending free agency. Those comments hinted at a potential major change coming.

Willson Contreras Free Agency

Contreras alluded to once believing Chicago would be his forever baseball home, but left the door open for signing a big contract elsewhere during free agency.

“Since the moment that I got here, I knew that this could have been my home for my whole career. But I got to the moment in my career that is like a dream coming true. I earned my spot in free agency, and I’m looking forward to it," said Contreras, who has set himself up for a lucrative contract.

Chicago Cubs News

That's not exactly a vote of confidence in sticking around long-term. Money aside, it wouldn't surprise many if Contreras is looking for a change of scenery. He did kick off his rookie year with the 2016 World Series title, but Chicago has finished sub-.500 for the past two seasons and hasn't made the playoffs in a full season since 2018.

It's anybody's guess what Contreras will do during free agency, but his market will be ripe with suitors. The three-time All-Star is one of the best-hitting catchers in baseball and is still relatively young at age 30. He's also coming off another strong season and could provide a major boost to a contender.

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