The Los Angeles Angels are interested in acquiring Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras and reuniting him with former manager Joe Maddon, sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
A deal doesn't appear close, but the Angels' trade interest isn't surprising considering how highly Maddon thinks of Contreras, Rosenthal adds.
The Cubs haven't been "extensively shopping" the two-time All-Star, but they've reportedly held discussions with multiple teams about him.
The Venezuelan has been among the league's top catchers since debuting in 2016, amassing the seventh-highest WAR at his position and hitting the fifth-most home runs.
The 28-year-old is under contract for two more seasons and projected to earn $5.6 million through arbitration, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Max Stassi is the Angels' projected starting catcher, but he could miss the beginning of the 2021 campaign following hip surgery.
Perry Minasian has been busy during his first offseason as general manager of the Angels, trading for closer Raisel Iglesias and shortstop Jose Iglesias, while also signing reliever Alex Claudio.
