Willson Contreras could sign with rival team
Sep 7, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Willson Contreras signed with the Chicago Cubs as a teenager in 2009 and has not played for any other team. But now he is being pursued by one of the Cubs’ biggest rivals.
On Tuesday, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that the St. Louis Cardinals are among the favorites to sign Contreras.
#STLCards remain among favorites for Willson Contreras. Looking toward a longtime star of main rival for possible Yadier replacement.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 6, 2022
The Cardinals need a new catcher for the first time in nearly two decades since Yadier Molina retired. Contreras would be a more than adequate replacement.
The 30-year-old catcher is a three-time All-Star who has batted .256 with an .808 OPS throughout his career. He has also averaged 26 home runs per 162 games.
In addition to the Cardinals, the Houston Astros are believed to be heavily in the mix for Contreras.
I’m hearing long term deals (5 years or more) have been offered to Willson Contreras by both the Cardinals and the Astros. Meeting with Cardinals GM and manager near Contreras’s home in Florida last week went extremely well.
— David Kaplan (@thekapman) December 7, 2022
Martin Maldonado has served as Houston’s primary catcher the last two seasons. Maldonado is a defense-first catcher who has batted below .190 in two straight seasons.
