Big league call-up is “dream come true” for Cubs’ Contreras

Willson Contreras was sleeping when his phone rang, alerting him that he had been called up to the major leagues.

So on Friday morning as the Cubs’ top catching prospect settled into his new surroundings and into a locker sandwiched between fellow rookie Albert Almora and veteran catcher Miguel Montrero, Contreras took a moment to allow everything to sink in.

“This is an incredible feeling,” Contreras said before Friday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. “I just can’t believe that my dream came true and now I’m here. From now on, I’m just go out there and try to win some games.”

How long he will remain with the Cubs remains a question for now. Manager Joe Maddon said Friday that Contreras’ stay could be short-term or it could be long-term. President of baseball operations Theo Epstein said that for now, the Cubs will continue to carry three catchers on their roster with veterans David Ross and Montero seeing the majority of the time. The Cubs designated Tim Federowicz for assignment on Friday, opening the door for Contreras to gain some valuable major league experience.

Contreras, 24, joins Cubs after batting .350 with 16 doubles, three triples, nine home runs and 43 RBI in 54 games with Class AAA Iowa. He has a .439 on-base percentage and .591 slugging percentage.

“We think it’s great timing to get Willson some experience, get his feet wet and get him acclimated to the big-league level at a time when he doesn’t have to step in and carry the catching load,” Epstein said Friday. “He’s going to get some playing time and we’ll see where it goes from there.

“He’s earned his way up here.”

Maddon said he will pick his spots with Contreras. The main priority, Maddon said, is to give Contreras to learn from Montero and Ross while also getting a feel for the Cubs’ pitching staff. Contreras said he has been watching video of Cubs’ games to attempt to get a feel for Cubs’ pitching.

Contreras said he has pictured himself behind the plate at the big-league level, but feels like he is ready to actually do it.

“Now I’m here,” Contreras said. “I can’t wait to be on the field and behind the plate.”

Among the first to greet Contreras Friday morning were Ross – who referred to him as ‘The Prodigy” and Montero, who has been impressed with Contreras’ approach to the position. Neither of the veteran catches are threatened by Contreras’ presence, knowing what it means his for development as well as for the Cubs’ future.

“I’m super happy because I know the kid and I know where he comes from and all the work he has to put in to be at the big league level,” Montero said. “Now that he’s here, I guarantee he’s not going to take it for granted, he’s going to go out and compete because (of) his attitude, his mentality.

“We’re super excited. We all should be excited because he’s an upgrade, he’s a good player to have.”

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