Cubs plan to extend qualifying offer to All-Star C Willson Contreras

The Chicago Cubs will extend a qualifying offer to three-time All-Star catcher Willson Contreras, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Monday. Contreras is an impending free agent and the qualifying offer would pay him roughly $19 million in 2023. If he declines the offer, Chicago would receive a draft pick as compensation. "We'll continue that dialogue," Hoyer told reporters Monday. "We've talked to Willson, we've talked to his representative, so I don't want to make any assumptions there." Contreras figures to be highly sought if he hits the free agent market. The 30-year-old is considered one of the top catchers in the majors. He reached the All-Star Game for the third time this season while batting .243 with 22 homers and 55 RBIs. He also was a key player on the team's World Series-winning club in 2016 as he hit .282 in his first major league season. Contreras has topped 20 homers four times in his seven big league seasons. He has a .256 average with 117 homers and 365 RBIs in 734 career games. --Field Level Media