SAN DIEGO – On Oct. 15 in Scottsdale, Arizona, Giants prospect Jacob Heyward was ejected from an Arizona Fall League game after reacting in shock when he got called out on a “strike” the catcher caught near Heyward’s foot.
The call had nothing to do with pitch framing. But it does relate to the Cubs’ relationship with All-Star catcher Willson Contreras – if not how long that relationship might last.
With the Cubs in full-volume listening mode regarding trades of their big-league commodities, Contreras’ name immediately arose, alongside Kris Bryant’s, in early-offseason rumors.
In fact, when the White Sox signed top free agent catcher Yasmani Grandal three weeks ago, followed by the Braves’ signing of No.