Cubs extend qualifying offer to Contreras, make flurry of roster moves
Unable, or unwilling, to lock up Willson Contreras to a contract extension, the Cubs could have traded the all-star catcher before the Aug. 2 deadline and gotten something in return.
A deal never happened, although the World Series champion Astros reportedly nixed a trade that would have sent starting pitcher Jose Urquidy to the Cubs for Contreras.
On Thursday, the Cubs extended a $19.65 million qualifying offer that would keep Contreras on the roster for the 2023 season.
Contreras has the option of rejecting the offer, and that's what he's expected to do before Tuesday's deadline.
The decision would make the 30-year-old catcher a free agent while netting the Cubs a compensatory pick in next year's draft.
Over seven seasons with the Cubs, Contreras hit .256/.349/.459 with 117 home runs and 365 RBI.
In 30 postseason games, Contreras hit .231 with 3 homers and 7 RBI.
In Game 4 of the 2017 NLCS against the Dodgers, Contreras hit a 491-foot home run off Alex Wood. That is the longest playoff HR since Statcast began tracking in 2015.
In other roster moves Thursday, the Cubs activated Kyle Hendricks, Codi Heuer, Jason Heyward, Rafael Ortega and Ethan Roberts off the 60-day injured list.
Owed $22 million next season, Heyward is going to be released.
The Cubs announced Franmil Reyes, David Bote, Steven Brault, Narciso Crook and Anderson Espinoza cleared waivers and were outrighted to Class AAA Iowa.
Claimed off waivers from Cleveland on Aug. 8, Reyes was the Cubs' primary designated hitter over the final two months and he slashed .234/.301/.389 with 5 home runs and 19 RBI in 48 games.
Alec Mills and Brad Wieck were activated off the 60-day IL, cleared waivers and were outrighted to Iowa.