The Astros are interested in signing Wilson Contreras

SAN DIEGO — Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker has confirmed that his team is interested in the free agent hunt. Wilson Contrerasjust a few months after his deal was turned down.

“It’s not that I didn’t want to,” Baker explained on the first day of the winter meetings on Monday. “It’s just that at the time I didn’t think he was fit enough with two months left in the season.

“We will talk to him. We have an interest in him.”

Contreras, 30, is seeking a long-term contract after spending more than a decade in the Chicago Cubs organization. He compiled 128 OPS+ in 113 games last season for the Cubs, but he was the only free agent catch attached to draft pick compensation after Chicago made him a qualifying offer. That could limit the free agent market.

“I talked to some guys who were big Contreras fans in Chicago because I called [al entrenador del bullpen] lester [Strode] to ask about it,” said Becker. Lester spent a great deal of time with him in the bullpen, chasing pitches. He is a big fan of Contreras. He told me he loved the boy.”

The St. Louis Cardinals spoke with representatives for Contreras, who have also been in contact with the Cubs, according to sources familiar with the situation. Sources said Contreras is aligned with a four- to five-year deal worth up to $80 million.

The Astros and the Cubs approached a deal involving Contreras last July, but Baker felt there would not be enough time for a new catcher to learn his pitching staff. But now might be the time to add another piece to the world champions.

If the numbers are correct, the years are correct, and the situation is correct [es] “The right thing for both of us,” Becker said.