Report: Mets, Astros contacted Cubs about Contreras
The New York Mets and Houston Astros are among the teams to have contacted the Chicago Cubs regarding the availability of catcher Willson Contreras, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.
The San Francisco Giants are also searching for catching help but weren't directly linked to Contreras, Passan adds.
Contreras is on an expiring deal and enjoying a career year at the plate, largely thanks to the National League's introduction of the designated hitter. The three-time All-Star is hitting .258/.374/.473 with 14 homers and three stolen bases over 81 games, 51 of which involved catching duties.
He's one of the last remaining members of the Cubs' 2016 drought-vanquishing World Series team. In the last two seasons, Chicago traded away Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez, and it non-tendered Kyle Schwarber.
The Mets rank 24th at catcher, according to fWAR. Their 49 wRC+ is the worst mark in the majors. James McCann, currently sidelined with an oblique strain, struggled in the 30 games he played, hitting a meager .183/.250/.293 with two homers and one steal. New York has relied on Tomas Nido, hitting .213/.254/.241, in 61 games.
While the Astros are getting marginally better hitting (52 wRC+) from their catchers, they rank last by fWAR. Martin Maldonado is getting the majority of starts and is known for his defensive contributions behind the plate.
The Giants have been relying chiefly on Joey Bart and Curt Casali, who are providing near-average production at the position.