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Why Willson Contreras is focused on the present with Cubs

3 years agoAndy Martinez

MESA, Ariz. — Willson Contreras isn’t worried about the future. He’s not focused on whether he’ll get an extension or whether he might get moved.

“I’m not looking forward to leaving the organization I will say, but I’m in the present,” Contreras said. “I’m not thinking about getting a contract right now, I’m just thinking about playing baseball, getting to know my guys and have a good season.”

Contreras has seen rumors in the past and has come to peace with that being a nature of the business. He said Sunday that he hadn’t spoken about a contract extension this spring with the club yet, but was open to discuss one before Opening Day. 

He’s trying to concentrate on his game, improving and helping those around him improve. And whether that leads to a contract extension or not, he’s going to remain the same even keeled person. 

“I’m good with it,” Contreras said. “They know what they’re doing. They know what’s best for the team. I’m here cause I love my team and whatever’s gonna happen is gonna happen.”

In the short-term, that means ramping up for a shortened spring training and preparing for an Opening Day that inches closer and closer. With the Cubs’ addition of Yan Gomes as Contreras’ backup, plus the implementation of the DH in the National League, that should help get Contreras some rest and keep him fresh throughout the course of a season. 

“If I’m gonna play DH this year, it’s gonna help me a lot with my legs,” Contreras said. “Take my rest and take my days off and stay healthy. That’s the main thing for me this year.”

Sunday morning, Contreras completed his first workout of the spring at the Cubs’ complex, including facing some young pitchers in a live batting practice at Sloan Park. 

He’s also making sure he’s picking and choosing his moments to be a leader for a young team. 

“That’s the thing, you gotta pick the right situations to be vocal, especially with the younger guys,” Contreras said. “I don’t want anything to be mistaken by them and you don’t want them against you. 

“I’ll be vocal. I’ll be the leader for them, I’ll make myself available [to] them. We have a really good chemistry right now and I’m happy to be back with them.”

At the end of the day, that’s all Contreras can do. 

“I’m really good where I am at right now,” Contreras said. “I’m really happy. My family’s happy and that’s the thing that I care [about] most.”

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