Cardinals Transition Willson Contreras to First Base

The move aims to preserve Contreras' health and opens opportunities for young catchers Ivan Herrera and Pedro Pages.

Willson Contreras, entering the third year of his five-year contract, will shift from catcher to first base and designated hitter roles.
Cardinals President John Mozeliak cited Contreras' long-term health and offensive productivity as reasons for the position change.
Contreras' move clears the path for Ivan Herrera and Pedro Pages to share catching duties, with Herrera showing promise as a potential starter.
Despite injuries, Contreras remains one of the team's top hitters, boasting a .263/.367/.468 slash line over his time with the Cardinals.
The Cardinals' decision not to re-sign Paul Goldschmidt facilitates Contreras' transition to first base.