“WE LOVE YOU, WILLSON!”

A fan in the upper deck at Wrigley Field shouted that sentiment as Rafael Ortega grounded out and Willson Contreras readied himself for an at-bat in the 1st inning Tuesday afternoon.

Once Contreras was officially announced, the Wrigley faithful showered the Cubs catcher/designated hitter with applause and a hearty standing ovation.

Contreras took in the scene as he stepped into the batter’s box, kicked the dirt and then stepped back out to compose himself and tip his helmet to the crowd.

It was an emotional moment at the corner of Clark and Addison as Contreras settled in for what might be his final home game as a Cub with the trade deadline looming a week away.

Contreras promptly smacked the first pitch into center field, igniting a 3-run rally for the Cubs that also included doubles from Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner.

After Monday’s game, Contreras stood at his locker and reflected back on his time with the Cubs in an emotional interview.

His manager could see how important this 2-game homestand is to Contreras, who has been with the organization since 2009.

“I could tell yesterday he was distracted in game,” David Ross said Tuesday morning. “There’s definitely thoughts on his mind, I’m sure. I think it would be unnatural not to be for him. I don’t think any of us really know. Nobody knows what the heck’s gonna happen, what the future holds.

“I’m glad that he’s on our team and taking those things in. That’s a natural, human reaction. He’s an emotional guy; he wears it on his sleeves. The guy’s been around long enough. He cares a lot. He cares a lot about this organization, cares a lot about his teammates.”

Catch the entire 1st-inning moment in the video above.