SAN ANTONIO — St. Louis Cardinals slugger Willson Contreras is making a everlasting transfer to first base, president of baseball operations John Mozeliak confirmed Wednesday.
“We expect that being such a productive hitter, not catching will make him a greater hitter,” Mozeliak mentioned on the GM conferences. “How will we defend his profession?”
Contreras gave the staff his blessing for the transfer, sources aware of the state of affairs informed ESPN. In any other case, the Cardinals may need regarded to maneuver him this offseason — although the veteran has a no-trade clause in a five-year, $87.5 million contract that runs by means of 2027.
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Contreras, 32, has been a catcher for almost all of his nine-year profession, taking part in in 774 video games behind the plate and simply 52 elsewhere — together with 11 at first base.
Mozeliak pointed to accidents as one deciding issue for the transfer. Contreras missed time this previous season with a damaged arm after getting hit by a swing from New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez.
It is also not unusual for growing older catchers so as to add or transfer to a different place to protect themselves after taking a beating behind the plate for therefore lengthy. Contreras hit 15 house runs whereas compiling an .842 OPS in 2024, however he performed in solely 84 video games due to the damaged arm.
The Cardinals will not convey again free agent Paul Goldschmidt, opening the spot at first base for Contreras. Pedro Pagés and Ivan Herrera break up time in 2024, with Contreras taking part in solely 51 video games there. Herrera, 24, hit .301 with an .800 OPS whereas beginning 52 video games behind the plate.
This transfer permits Contreras and Herrera to be within the lineup on the similar time.
