Mets, Rays, Padres reportedly 'in mix' for Cubs All-Star catcher Willson Contreras

The Mets are currently in first place in the NL East with a 3 1/2-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. Tomas Nido is their primary starting catcher -- with former All-Star James McCann on the injured list -- but has produced a measly .218/.267/.250 slash line with 0 home runs and 17 RBI over 188 at-bats this season.

The Rays are in third place in the AL East and 15 games back of the New York Yankees, but like the Friars, would make the playoffs via a wild card berth if the season ended on Tuesday. Tampa Bay's 2021 All-Star backstop Mike Zunino is currently on the 60-day IL, and promising youngster Francisco Mejia is on the shelf as well.

The Padres -- who have already landed All-Star closer Josh Hader and are reportedly in the process of finalizing a deal to acquire Juan Soto -- have Austin Nola (.238/.309/.304) and Jorge Alfaro (.273/.307/.439) splitting catching duties. San Diego enters Tuesday 12 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, but in the thick of the NL wild card picture. Rosenthal notes Contreras as a fall back plan for the Padres, so it remains to be seen if they remain involved should the Soto deal get finalized.