Amidst the most intense trade rumors of the MLB 2025-26 winter season, one of the hottest names on the market has shocked everyone with his desire to… return to the Chicago Cubs. Willson Contreras, a star who was once an iconic face at Wrigley Field before moving to the St. Louis Cardinals, is rumored to be leaving the Cardinals — but he recently unexpectedly revealed that his heart still belongs to the Cubs, rekindling hope for Chicago fans.
According to multiple sources, at the heart of the current trade market, the Cardinals are considering trading Contreras — a move that could occur as the team undergoes restructuring after a lackluster season. The Mets are reportedly one of the teams inquiring about Contreras to replace Pete Alonso after Alonso signed a major contract with the Orioles. However, Contreras doesn’t seem to be simply considering his options — he’s also expressed a desire to return to the Cubs, the team where he peaked before moving to St. Louis.
Contreras, 33, joined the Cardinals from the Cubs in the winter of 2022 on a five-year contract worth approximately $87.5 million with an option for 2028. In the 2025 season, he recorded .257/.344/.447 with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs, continuing to demonstrate consistent offensive ability even after moving to first base — a new position after nearly a decade as a full-time catcher.
His time with the Cubs from 2016 to 2022 saw Contreras become one of the most respected All-Stars, helping the team win the World Series and forging a deep connection with Chicago fans. That’s what caused the phrase “my heart is still with the Cubs” (though not a direct quote right now) to explode like a bomb in the baseball fan community.
Some fans are reliving the past: home runs, heated debates on social media about whether he “should have stayed in Chicago longer,” and emotional comments about his formative years with the Cubs.
Recent baseball news reports indicate that Contreras is increasingly open to the idea of abandoning the “no-trade clause”—a previous major obstacle if the Cardinals wanted to trade him. This shift comes as both the Cardinals and the broader MLB are considering rebuilding their teams, paving the way for a potentially sensational trade.
And among the teams most frequently mentioned, the Chicago Cubs stand out as a “dream destination”—not only because of their historical connection, but also because of Contreras’s deep affection for Cubs fans. Commentators on social media and the team’s fan page continuously spread the story of “Contreras returning to the Cubs — could that happen?”, creating an unprecedented buzz at the Winter Meetings.
Some analysts believe that if the Cubs actually pursue Contreras, it would be one of the biggest trades of the winter — not only because of his on-court value, but also because of the far-reaching emotional impact on fans, the media, and the Cubs organization itself.
With an offense in need of reinforcement and a leadership gap in the locker room, bringing Contreras back could offer:
Consistent offensive power with proven OPS over many seasons.
Playoff experience and Cubs history — tremendous psychological value.
However, the risks are significant:
Contreras’s remaining salary and benefits are substantial.
Building a team around a “former player” can be controversial internally.
Amidst the turbulent MLB offseason market with its unpredictable developments, Willson Contreras—once a Cubs icon—could return to Chicago, igniting new hope at Wrigley Field. Such a trade would not only change the Cardinals’ landscape but also draw attention from the Cubs and the entire league.
While teams are still negotiating and considering their options, fans are already anticipating the return of “Willy 2.0” to Chicago—a nostalgic yet emotional chapter in this MLB winter season.
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