The St. Louis Cardinals have officially announced a notable adjustment on their roster: power hitter Willson Contreras will transition to first base, a decision highlighted by John Mozeliak, the president of baseball operations.
During recent General Manager meetings, Mozeliak shared his thoughts on the matter, stating, “Given his productivity at the plate, we believe that shifting away from catching will enhance his hitting abilities. How can we safeguard his career?” This shift aims to capitalize on Contreras’ potential while preserving his longevity as a valuable player.
Sources close to the situation confirmed that Contreras has agreed to this new role. The willingness to adapt is crucial in a league that is constantly evolving, and had Contreras not consented, the Cardinals might have faced the tough decision of considering a trade during the offseason. Currently, he holds a no-trade clause in his five-year, $87.5 million contract, valid until 2027, which adds another layer of complexity.
This transition not only secures Contreras’ place in the lineup but also opens doors for promising catchers Iván Herrera and Pedro Pagés. The Cardinals are keen to ensure that their developing players receive ample playing time in the upcoming season, thereby supporting their growth within the franchise.
By moving Contreras to first base, the Cardinals can maintain a competitive edge while nurturing young talents. Although Contreras has only played first base on 11 occasions and started four games, he has demonstrated his capability with a flawless error record over 51 1/3 innings in that position. His last stint at first base dates back to 2019 with the Chicago Cubs, where he played a couple of games.
Contreras will now take on the role formerly held by Paul Goldschmidt, a significant player for the Cardinals for the past six seasons. Goldschmidt, recognized as a former Gold Glove recipient and MVP, is now a free agent. The organization has subtly communicated their expectation that he might not return, making way for Contreras to step up.
In his recent season, where he faced injuries that limited his availability for about 80 games, including a fractured arm sustained while catching, Contreras still emerged as one of the team’s leading offensive players. He showcased an impressive .848 OPS with 15 home runs and 17 doubles over just 84 games. This fresh approach of transitioning him to first base marks a shift from earlier attempts in 2023, where the idea of utilizing him as a designated hitter or in the outfield was considered but ultimately declined by Contreras after a two-week hiatus from catching duties.
Contreras’ willingness to switch positions speaks volumes about his commitment to the Cardinals, especially during a time filled with uncertainty for the team. As the organization navigates budget constraints and focuses on player development, Mozeliak has started reaching out to players with full no-trade clauses to gauge their interest in remaining with the franchise amid this transition.
At 32 years old, Contreras is committed to staying in St. Louis, a sentiment Mozeliak confirmed as a signal that he won’t be traded this winter. Alongside him, pitcher Sonny Gray has also expressed a desire to remain with the team.
Throughout his two seasons with the Cardinals, Willson Contreras has achieved a commendable .263/.367/.468 slash line, including 35 home runs over 209 games. However, injuries and defensive challenges have posed ongoing issues for him as a catcher.
With this new role at first base, Contreras’ fantasy prospects for 2025 look brighter, likely leading to more consistent playing time. Furthermore, it paves the way for Iván Herrera and Pedro Pagés to showcase their abilities, adding excitement for the future of the team.
In this transitional phase for the Cardinals, Willson Contreras’ adaptability and commitment shine through as key aspects for both his career and the organization’s growth. Here’s to hoping this strategic pivot leads to more wins on the scoreboard and a stronger team dynamic.
