The St. Louis Cardinals have officially confirmed the transition of power hitter Willson Contreras to first base, as stated by John Mozeliak, the president of baseball operations.
During the General Manager meetings, Mozeliak remarked, “Given his productivity at the plate, we believe that shifting away from catching will enhance his hitting abilities. How can we safeguard his career?”
Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that Contreras has consented to this positional shift. Without his agreement, the Cardinals may have considered a trade over the offseason.
It’s worth noting that Contreras possesses a no-trade clause in his five-year, $87.5 million contract, which runs through 2027.
This change also opens up additional opportunities for catchers Iván Herrera and Pedro Pagés. A primary objective for the Cardinals this offseason is to ensure their developing players receive ample playing time in the upcoming season.
Willson Contreras makes the transition to first base for the Cardinals
By moving Contreras to first base, both young catchers can remain on the team while ensuring Contreras stays involved in the lineup.
Contreras has played first base on 11 occasions, starting four of those games. He has a flawless record with no errors over 51 1/3 innings at the position. His most recent appearance at first base was in 2019, when he played two games for the Chicago Cubs.
He will now fill the role previously held by Paul Goldschmidt, who has been the Cardinals’ first baseman for the past six seasons.
Goldschmidt, a former Gold Glove and MVP recipient, is now a free agent. The organization subtly conveyed to him at the end of the season that they do not expect him to return, clearing the path for Contreras to step into this role.
Despite missing around 80 games this season due to two injuries, including a fractured arm sustained while catching, Contreras was still the team’s leading offensive player. He achieved an .848 OPS with 15 home runs and 17 doubles over 84 games. This strategic shift to first base stands in contrast to the earlier attempt in 2023 to utilize him as a designated hitter and possibly in the outfield, a proposition he declined, albeit after taking a two-week break from catching duties.
Contreras’ commitment to remaining with St. Louis
Contreras’ readiness to switch positions highlights his dedication to the Cardinals, particularly during a time of uncertainty for the team. Facing a decreasing payroll and a developmental focus, Mozeliak has begun discussions with all players holding full no-trade clauses to explore their interest in remaining with the organization during this transitional phase.
The 32-year-old has expressed his firm intention to stay with the franchise, which Mozeliak indicates means he will not be traded this winter. Another player, Sonny Gray, has also shown a desire to remain with the team.
In his two seasons with St. Louis, Willson Contreras has compiled an impressive .263/.367/.468 slash line, with 35 home runs across 209 games. However, injuries and defensive challenges as a catcher have been persistent concerns.
This positional switch enhances his fantasy prospects for 2025, as he is likely to see more regular playing time. Additionally, it opens the door for Iván Herrera and Pedro Pagés to demonstrate their capabilities.
Image Source: Keeton Gale / Shutterstock
