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.
Overview
- 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.