The Milwaukee Brewers are playing in the World Series, and the New York Yankees could be keeping a close eye on the series.
The Yankees desperately need an upgrade at catcher, even though Austin Wells had a decent end to the regular season and a solid showing in October. William Contreras has one more year before free agency, and if history is any indication, he could be on the trade block.
The Brewers don't like to spend a ton of money, and have sold high on stars before free agency in the past. Josh Hader, Corbin Burnes and Devin Williams are prime examples. Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley predicted that the Brewers would trade Contreras to the Yankees this offseason.
"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," wrote Buckley. "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."
Contreras is a three-time All-Star, including two selections as a catcher on the Brewers. He has been instrumental in the Brewers pitching staff's success and is arguably the best offensive catcher in baseball.
He has been great this postseason, and his value could be high this offseason. He cut back on the strikeouts this season and has been a consistent force for the Brewers.
Typically, it would be time for the Brewers to trade a player like Contreras, but they could make an exception. They did so for Willy Adames because of how much he meant in the clubhouse and the lack of a better option at shortstop.
The Brewers don't really have a reliable replacement ready at catcher, and Contreras is a leader on the team. Trading him, especially if they win the World Series, would seemingly do more harm than good.
Also, Christian Yelich's contract will come off the books soon, so perhaps paying Contreras is not so far-fetched.