Willson Contreras reportedly declines qualifying offer from Cubs

Contreras is headed to free agency (David Banks - USA Today Sports)

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Tuesday, November 08 2022

Sad but expected news for Cubs fans.

All-Star catcher Willson Contreras has declined the $19.65 million qualifying offer from the Cubs, according to multiple reports, including MLB reporter Jon Heyman.

Rejecting the offer means that Contreras will now enter free agency as he will surely have several suitors for his services as he is still a top catcher in the league.

The Cubs will end up getting a compensatory draft pick after the second round in the 2023 draft for losing Contreras.

The 30-year-old Contreras has been with the Cubs organization for the last 14 years.

In 2022, he hit .243 with 22 homers, 55 RBIs and .815 OPS in 113 games.