Cardinals make big move with Willson Contreras

Mar 14, 2023; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras (40) walks in the third inning against the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Two years after making a big splash by signing Willson Contreras, the St. Louis Cardinals are admitting that at least one aspect of that move has not worked out for them.

The Cardinals are planning to move Contreras to first base for the 2025 season, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Contreras was originally signed as a catcher, but will make the move with the impending departure of free agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

NL Gm’s are meeting the media. One thing to address with Cardinals brass: Willson Contreras is moving to first base.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) November 6, 2024

Contreras has been a catcher for his entire career, but his defense was an issue in St. Louis. At one point, the Cardinals planned to move him to left field, but that experiment was also short-lived, and he was once again the team’s primary backstop in 2024.

Since joining the Cardinals, Contreras’ bat has held up, and he has hit .263 with 35 home runs over his two seasons in St. Louis. He should be fine at first base, and with three years and $54 million left on his contract, the offensive production will have to continue.