Padres rumors: Joe Musgrove drops hint about Cubs’ Willson Contreras

San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove just finished his first All-Star Game. He got to pitch for Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, who may have a future in San Diego.

According to FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray, Contreras is a trade target for multiple teams, including the Padres.

Musgrove seems to be invested in the potential trade and told Contreras after the All-Star Game, “This might not be the last time we do this,” (via The San Diego Union-Tribune).

Contreras would be a great addition to San Diego. He offers talent at bat and behind the plate.

Willson Contreras would be a great addition to the Padres

Contreras would offer power in the lineup. This season, he’s hitting .253/.366/.455 for an OPS of .821 and has an isolated power of .201. If he continues to hit that well, which is likely considering he’s been consistent each season, he will be one of the best hitters in San Diego’s batting order.

The current Padres catchers don’t produce much power in the lineup. Austin Nola is hitting .243/.310/.310 for an OPS of .620 and a low isolated power of .067. Jorge Alfaro hits with significantly more power (ISO of .161) but has poor walk and strikeout percentages (4.5 and 34.3, respectively).

Of the two, Nola would likely remain as backup because he has been the sole catcher for Yu Darvish and (changes pending a possible trade?) Musgrove.

Contreras would also be a huge asset as a catcher. He’s played in three All-Star Games and has a fielding percentage of .993 this season. Out of 446 total chances, he’s produced 409 putouts, 34 assists and just three errors.

Contreras also has a FanGraphs wins above replacement of 2.4 this season. Nola and Alfaro are significantly lower at -0.2 and 0.9, respectively.

Contreras is worth $9.625 million this season and is eligible for free agency next season. He’d be worth making a trade for with the right strategy, considering he would undoubtedly bring needed changes to San Diego.