Willson Contreras Trade Rumors: Angels 'Showing Interest' in Cubs Catcher

As the Chicago Cubs shift their short-term priorities, the Los Angeles Angels are "showing interest" in acquiring two-time All-Star Willson Contreras, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

Rosenthal cautioned that "no deal appears close," but Angels manager Joe Maddon worked with Contreras in Chicago and was a "strong advocate" for him on the team.

Max Stassi projects to be the Angels' starting catcher. However, he underwent hip surgery in October for a torn labrum, the recovery period for which is expected to be four to six months. As a result, Stassi could miss spring training and the start of the 2021 season.

Even if Stassi is good to go for Opening Day, Contreras would be an upgrade behind the plate.

Stassi had a .278/.352/.533 slash line in 31 games last season, but that production is out of step with what he has done over his entire career. The 29-year-old has a .362 slugging percentage and .290 weighted on-base average, per FanGraphs.

Contreras has posted career numbers of .463 and .348 in those two categories. His 24 home runs in 2019 are also five more than Stassi's total number to date.

Stassi is the better defensive backstop, especially when it comes to framing. Over the past three seasons, he has finished second, eighth and 19th in catcher framing on Baseball Savant. Contreras has finished 55th, 45th and 11th. 

For a lineup that is overly reliant on Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon in the heart of the order, Contreras would be a better everyday option for the Angels this year.