Cardinals Transition Willson Contreras: A Strategic Shift for Longevity
The St. Louis Cardinals have announced a significant change in their lineup, transitioning catcher Willson Contreras to take on the role of first baseman and designated hitter. This decision comes during the midpoint of Contreras’s five-year, $87 million contract with the team.
Contreras joined the Cardinals in a critical period following the retirement of the legendary Yadier Molina at the end of the 2022 season. In stepping into this legacy, Contreras was expected to fill large shoes. However, a series of factors, including injuries and performance challenges, have influenced the organization’s decision to shift his responsibilities on the field.
In May, the Cardinals first indicated that Contreras would step back from his catcher duties, an announcement that reflected their evolving plans for his role in the team. Up until then, Contreras had started 51 of his 84 games as a catcher during the season, despite struggling with framing—a crucial aspect of a catcher’s defensive capabilities. Nevertheless, his prowess as a good blocker and having an above-average arm did not go unnoticed.
Another significant factor contributing to this strategic change has been the landscape of player injuries. Injuries kept Contreras off the field for a substantial part of the year, affecting his ability to contribute as robustly as he might have liked. Despite these challenges, Contreras managed to reflect his offensive capabilities by posting an impressive .262/.380/.468 slash line. Across 358 plate appearances, he contributed 17 doubles and 15 home runs, demonstrating his value in other aspects of the game.
The shift to first base and designated hitting is also timely given the movement of Cardinals’ free agent Paul Goldschmidt, who previously anchored first base. Prospect catchers Iván Herrera and Pedro Pagés are now set to share the catching duties, presenting them with an opportunity to step up and make their mark on the team.
This adjustment in Contreras's role is not just a reactionary measure but a forward-thinking strategy to ensure player longevity, a trend that continues to gain momentum across Major League Baseball. Such strategic decisions are instrumental in keeping players like Contreras healthy, as emphasized by John Mozeliak, speaking for the Cardinals' management: “The goal of keeping Contreras healthy and lengthening his career.”
The Cardinals’ decision underscores a broader understanding within baseball management regarding the physical demands on catchers. As the game evolves, so must the approaches teams take in utilizing their talent. By shifting Contreras away from the taxing demands of catching, the Cardinals hope not only to prolong his playing career but also to optimize his contributions to the team.
Amidst these changes, Contreras’s contributions have not been insignificant. With a 2.9 WAR in just 84 games, his on-field impact and offensive spike provide the Cardinals with reason for optimism as they navigate this new configuration.
In light of these developments, the Cardinals are preparing to embrace a new chapter and make the necessary adjustments in their lineup. The decision to move Contreras reflects a strategic maneuver to harness his strengths effectively, securing his health and performance longevity, all while positioning the team towards more adaptive and sustained success in the seasons to come.