Why would the Milwaukee Brewers consider trading William Contreras? 

The All-Star catcher is one of the top-hitting catchers in the Majors and provides a strong arm behind the plate. 

If the Brewers advance to the World Series and win, it's likely Contreras will be a significant reason why. 

Still, Milwaukee's front office tends to trade players a year before they reach free agency. Contreras will become a free agent after the 2027 season. 

That's why Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter tabbed the 28-year-old as a potential trade candidate this offseason. 

"The Brewers have made a habit of trading their star players as they approach free agency, with Josh Hader, Corbin Burnes, Devin Williams, and Freddy Peralta among the notable recent examples.

"That's enough to put Contreras in the trade chip conversation, especially if the club thinks former top prospect Jeferson Quero is a viable in-house replacement," Reuter wrote. 

Quero may be the real deal, but Contreras is an established star.

MORE: Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski made MLB playoff history three times with 104+ mph pitches

However, the Brewers risk losing Contreras for nothing if they don't trade him this winter or at next season's deadline. 

Of course, this impending situation can be avoided if the two sides reach an agreement on an extension. 

The Brewers don't typically hand out sizeable contracts, but perhaps they'd be willing to make an exception for Contreras. 

More MLB news: