Cardinals Reposition Willson Contreras from Catcher to First Base and DH
In a notable shift within Major League Baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals have announced their decision to reassign Willson Contreras, previously their primary catcher, to roles at first base and as a designated hitter. This recalibration comes while Contreras is still in the early stages of a lucrative five-year, $87 million contract he signed following the retirement of legendary catcher Yadier Molina after the 2022 season.
The decision to move Contreras away from the catcher’s spot was not entirely unexpected. Back in May, the Cardinals’ administration had already signaled a shift regarding his responsibilities behind the plate. John Mozeliak, representing the Cardinals' management, explained the strategic repositioning, emphasizing the "goal of keeping Contreras healthy and lengthening his career."
There's no denying the challenges faced by Contreras in his inaugural season with the Cardinals. Having been hindered by injuries, he was restricted to participating in just 84 games, catching in only 51 of those. However, when healthy, Contreras demonstrated his offensive prowess, boasting a respectable .262/.380/.468 slash line. In 358 plate appearances, he recorded 17 doubles and knocked 15 home runs out of the park, contributing a 2.9 WAR over the limited number of games he played.
While Contreras has struggled with framing, his skills as a solid blocker combined with an above-average throwing arm have proven his adaptability on the defensive front. Yet, the transition to first base seems fitting, especially considering the departure of Paul Goldschmidt, a free agent, leaving a crucial spot open for Contreras to fill.
The Cardinals are not improvising in handling their catching responsibilities, post-realignment. Prospects Iván Herrera and Pedro Pagés are poised to share the duties of catching, ensuring the team maintains depth and proficiency behind the plate. This strategic move by the Cardinals also mirrors a broader trend in MLB, where preserving player longevity is becoming increasingly paramount in organizational decision-making.
While the move clearly marks an evolution in Contreras's role with the Cardinals, it aligns with a vision to maximize his value in ways that safeguard his long-term contribution to the team. For fans and analysts, the success of this transition will be closely watched as the Cardinals look to capitalize on Contreras's strengths while building a competitive lineup for the seasons ahead.
With the 2023 season providing invaluable insights into Contreras's capabilities and challenges, the Cardinals' resolve in recalibrating his position indicates a thoughtful approach to roster management. As the team makes strides towards securing its future success, all eyes will be on Willson Contreras, whose journey with the Cardinals has taken an intriguing, promising turn.