The Yankees could spend this offseason searching for a real answer behind the plate, and one name that has surfaced is William Contreras.
New York has a clear opening at catcher after Austin Wells struggled at the plate, even if his work behind the dish remains a strength. The Yankees could try to solve that issue in free agency by finding a right-handed platoon partner for Wells, or they could swing bigger and explore the trade market.
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley sees Milwaukee as a possible trade partner. In his view, the Brewers could consider moving Contreras this winter even after their run to the World Series.
“Trading Contreras wouldn't help the Brewers now (or maybe any time soon), but it might be what's best for the franchise's future.
"If they aren't prepared to pay what it'll cost to keep him next offseason, then moving him during this one could be the best option on the board," Buckley wrote.
Buckley projects the Yankees as the team to land Contreras, who is one year away from free agency.
The appeal is obvious. Contreras is a three-time All-Star and one of the better offensive catchers in the game. In 147 regular season games, he hit .270/.341/.417 with 18 home runs and a .758 OPS.
That kind of production would stand in sharp contrast to Wells, who finished at .186/.292/.332 with 14 homers and a .624 OPS.
A deal would likely cost New York a Major League-ready pitcher along with several prospects, but that may be the price if the Yankees want to bring in a catcher who can better balance the lineup.
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