With future again unclear, Contreras returns as Cubs beat Phillies
Willson Contreras is ready for another round of farewells, whether or not they turn out to be false alarms.
Contreras, hobbled by the ankle injury suffered in the Field of Dreams game, was activated from the injured list and played Tuesday for the first time since Aug. 30. The Cubs beat the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1, thanks to Christopher Morel's 15th home run and a tiebreaking RBI double by Yan Gomes in the seventh.
Pitcher Marcus Stroman went 7 innings to get the win, while Contreras finished the night 1-for-3 at DH. He hit one off the wall in right, but was called out trying for second after video review.
Nothing much has changed since late July, when Contreras expected a trade before the deadline and received an emotional farewell from Cubs fans. It turned out he wasn't traded. This winter, he'll become a free agent and the outcome is anyone's guess.
"We all know I've been here for 14 years and we don't know if it's a real goodbye or just a few months (until he's back next season)," Contreras said before the game. "I'm looking forward to go out there, have fun with my teammates and that's all I can do at this point. I'm not going to make any assumptions."
Anything could happen for the Cubs in the offseason. It's tough to imagine a scenario where the Cubs aren't better off with Contreras on the roster. This season he's been the best hitting catcher in MLB, is solid defensively and stepped up to take a leadership role in the dugout.
"Willson's had a great year," Cubs manager David Ross said. "His stats have been really good, he's been a great teammate, plays hard every time he's in there. I don't know if he could have done much more. I feel like he came into spring training on a mission."
Asked again if he'd like to stay with the Cubs, Contreras suggested making him one of the veteran leaders on a team that could be on the rise. He's not old enough to assume the role Ross had on the 2015-16 Cubs, but it could be similar.
"I know we have a (brighter) future," Contreras said. "I know we have a really good farm system. This thing is going to need some balance, like we had in 2016. We had all the veterans, but we had a lot of young talent. That balance creates a good chemistry.
"That balance creates guys that can guide the younger talent or can be there to support. That's something I'm probably looking forward to."
The Cubs are expected to make Contreras a qualifying offer, which is essentially a one-year deal worth the mean salary of MLB's highest-paid 125 players. He'll likely reject the offer and continue to free-agency, but by making the qualifying offer, the Cubs would stand to gain a draft pick between the first and second rounds next year.
"It's part of the business," Contreras said. "I think that's the reason why my price on the trade deadline was really high, because they knew by making the qualifying offer, they can get a first-round pick."
Contreras said he'd consider taking the qualifying offer, though that seems unlikely. As far as a new destination or dollar figure, the three-time all-star said he does have some parameters in mind.
"For me, it's more like I want to be somewhere where I'm wanted," he said. "I feel like they're going to appreciate what I do on and off the field, a place that appreciates what I bring to the clubhouse and what I can do. Whatever comes next, I'm ready for it."
Another player who returned Tuesday was Seiya Suzuki, who flew back from Japan after the birth of his son. He was activated from the paternity list, but did not play.
"He got off the plane from Japan, came straight here and hit last night," Ross said. "So that tells you something about his work ethic and who he is. Congratulations to him and I'm glad he's got a beautiful baby boy and is back here with us trying to finish out."
As corresponding moves, the Cubs sent infielder Jared Young back to Iowa and designated outfielder Michael Hermosillo for assignment. Ross confirmed second baseman Nick Madrigal won't return from a groin injury, so his season is over.
Twitter: @McGrawDHSports