In a move that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, the St. Louis Cardinals have announced that their star catcher, Willson Contreras, will be making a permanent transition to first base. The decision, confirmed by Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak, is aimed at extending Contreras’ career and unlocking his full potential as a hitter.
Protecting a Valuable Asset
Mozeliak emphasized the importance of safeguarding Contreras’ long-term value to the team, stating, “We think that being such a productive hitter, not catching will make him a better hitter. How do we protect his career?” The 32-year-old Contreras, who signed a five-year, $87.5 million contract with the Cardinals through 2027, has been a catcher for the majority of his nine-year MLB career.
However, the rigors of the catching position have taken their toll on Contreras, as evidenced by the broken arm he suffered last season after being hit by a swing from New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez. The injury limited Contreras to just 84 games in 2024, despite his impressive offensive numbers when healthy.
A Mutual Decision
According to sources familiar with the situation, Contreras gave his blessing for the move to first base, indicating a strong level of trust and cooperation between the player and the organization. Had Contreras not agreed to the change, the Cardinals may have explored trading him, despite the no-trade clause in his contract.
“Willson is a team player and understands that this move is in the best interest of both his career and the Cardinals’ success,” a close source revealed.
– Close source to Willson Contreras
A Promising Future at First Base
The departure of veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who will not be re-signed by the Cardinals, has opened up the perfect opportunity for Contreras to make the switch. In 2024, Contreras played only 51 games at catcher, with young prospects Pedro Pages and Ivan Herrera showing promise behind the plate.
Herrera, in particular, impressed with a .301 batting average and .800 OPS while starting 52 games as catcher. By moving Contreras to first base permanently, the Cardinals can keep both his and Herrera’s bats in the lineup, creating a formidable offensive threat.
Adapting to Extend a Career
The move from catcher to another position is not uncommon for aging players who have endured the physical demands of the position for many years. Contreras, who has played 774 games behind the plate and just 52 elsewhere, will now focus on honing his skills at first base to ensure a smooth transition.
Despite the challenges that come with learning a new position, Contreras’ offensive prowess is expected to remain a valuable asset for the Cardinals. In 2024, he hit 15 home runs and posted an impressive .842 OPS, demonstrating his ability to contribute significantly with his bat.
The Road Ahead
As the Cardinals look to the future, the decision to move Willson Contreras to first base permanently represents a proactive approach to roster management and player longevity. By prioritizing Contreras’ health and offensive production, the team is setting itself up for sustained success in the years to come.
The transition may come with its fair share of challenges, but with Contreras’ talent and dedication, coupled with the Cardinals’ support and strategic planning, the future looks bright for both the player and the organization. As the baseball world watches this bold move unfold, one thing is certain: Willson Contreras is poised to make a lasting impact, no matter where he takes the field.
