Contreras in IL and will miss rest of season

[82birds]

By Steve Adams | September 17, 2025 at 10:43am CDT

The Cardinals announced Wednesday that first baseman Willson Contreras has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain. Infielder Jose Fermin is up from Triple-A Memphis to take his spot on the roster. While there’s technically still enough time on the calendar for him to return for the team’s final series (the IL move is retroactive to yesterday), Katie Woo of The Athletic reports that this IL placement will end the season for Contreras.

[82birds]

Assuming that’s the case, it’s been yet another solid year for the 33-year-old Contreras. The catcher-turned-first-baseman hit .257/.344/.447 (123 wRC+) with 20 homers, 31 doubles and a triple in 563 turns at the plate. His first full year at a new position has generally gone well, too. Defensive Runs Saved (+1) and Statcast’s Outs Above Average (+6) both feel that Contreras has been not only passable at first base but better than average. One would imagine that his defensive chops could continue to improve as he further acclimates to his new home on the diamond, though he’ll also play next season at age 34, so there’ll be a give-and-take between Contreras getting more experience at first base but also slowing down as he ages into his mid-30s.

[rockondlouie]

Assuming that’s the case, it’s been yet another solid year for the 33-year-old Contreras. The catcher-turned-first-baseman hit .257/.344/.447 (123 wRC+) with 20 homers, 31 doubles and a triple in 563 turns at the plate. His first full year at a new position has generally gone well, too. Defensive Runs Saved (+1) and Statcast’s Outs Above Average (+6) both feel that Contreras has been not only passable at first base but better than average. One would imagine that his defensive chops could continue to improve as he further acclimates to his new home on the diamond, though he’ll also play next season at age 34, so there’ll be a give-and-take between Contreras getting more experience at first base but also slowing down as he ages into his mid-30s.

Agreed

Wish we had two more just like him.

[Goldfan]

Assuming that’s the case, it’s been yet another solid year for the 33-year-old Contreras. The catcher-turned-first-baseman hit .257/.344/.447 (123 wRC+) with 20 homers, 31 doubles and a triple in 563 turns at the plate. His first full year at a new position has generally gone well, too. Defensive Runs Saved (+1) and Statcast’s Outs Above Average (+6) both feel that Contreras has been not only passable at first base but better than average. One would imagine that his defensive chops could continue to improve as he further acclimates to his new home on the diamond, though he’ll also play next season at age 34, so there’ll be a give-and-take between Contreras getting more experience at first base but also slowing down as he ages into his mid-30s.

Agreed

Wish we had two more just like him.

He barely eclipsed Goldy’s numbers last season and he was let go……..his numbers are basically his career avg….whether at C or 1b. Good hitting C very avg 1B

[StlMike1969]

Assuming that’s the case, it’s been yet another solid year for the 33-year-old Contreras. The catcher-turned-first-baseman hit .257/.344/.447 (123 wRC+) with 20 homers, 31 doubles and a triple in 563 turns at the plate. His first full year at a new position has generally gone well, too. Defensive Runs Saved (+1) and Statcast’s Outs Above Average (+6) both feel that Contreras has been not only passable at first base but better than average. One would imagine that his defensive chops could continue to improve as he further acclimates to his new home on the diamond, though he’ll also play next season at age 34, so there’ll be a give-and-take between Contreras getting more experience at first base but also slowing down as he ages into his mid-30s.

I have to respectfully submit that we as fans should honestly be striving for more from $18 mill a year players. I do not dislike the guy however I feel he is just not the integral piece on this team some feel he is. Look, 20HR's and 31 doubles are good stats and yes he is passable at defense. It is just that this team is need of some serious chemistry and players with truly solid numbers. For $18 mill I am thinking .280+, 25 HRs, 40 doubles is more of stat line we should be seeing. Wilson also does not appear to be a long term solution with this team in rebuild mode, and it should be about players looking to be here 5 years from now. I am one that is hoping he is convinced to go to a contender in the off season.

[82birds]

show what you can do Burly
(I already think he's pretty proficient defensively at 1b)

[Horseradish]

Assuming that’s the case, it’s been yet another solid year for the 33-year-old Contreras. The catcher-turned-first-baseman hit .257/.344/.447 (123 wRC+) with 20 homers, 31 doubles and a triple in 563 turns at the plate. His first full year at a new position has generally gone well, too. Defensive Runs Saved (+1) and Statcast’s Outs Above Average (+6) both feel that Contreras has been not only passable at first base but better than average. One would imagine that his defensive chops could continue to improve as he further acclimates to his new home on the diamond, though he’ll also play next season at age 34, so there’ll be a give-and-take between Contreras getting more experience at first base but also slowing down as he ages into his mid-30s.

Agreed

Wish we had two more just like him.

He barely eclipsed Goldy’s numbers last season and he was let go……..his numbers are basically his career avg….whether at C or 1b. Good hitting C very avg 1B

Yet in another thread you said his numbers are down besides RBI. You really are all over the map with weird takes.

[82birds]

hope the offseason is just what Willson needs and this is not going to be a recurring thing.

[icon]

Assuming that’s the case, it’s been yet another solid year for the 33-year-old Contreras. The catcher-turned-first-baseman hit .257/.344/.447 (123 wRC+) with 20 homers, 31 doubles and a triple in 563 turns at the plate. His first full year at a new position has generally gone well, too. Defensive Runs Saved (+1) and Statcast’s Outs Above Average (+6) both feel that Contreras has been not only passable at first base but better than average. One would imagine that his defensive chops could continue to improve as he further acclimates to his new home on the diamond, though he’ll also play next season at age 34, so there’ll be a give-and-take between Contreras getting more experience at first base but also slowing down as he ages into his mid-30s.

I have to respectfully submit that we as fans should honestly be striving for more from $18 mill a year players. I do not dislike the guy however I feel he is just not the integral piece on this team some feel he is. Look, 20HR's and 31 doubles are good stats and yes he is passable at defense. It is just that this team is need of some serious chemistry and players with truly solid numbers. For $18 mill I am thinking .280+, 25 HRs, 40 doubles is more of stat line we should be seeing. Wilson also does not appear to be a long term solution with this team in rebuild mode, and it should be about players looking to be here 5 years from now. I am one that is hoping he is convinced to go to a contender in the off season.

I think you are expecting too much for $18 million. It doesn't buy what it used to.

[stlbirdlover]

Assuming that’s the case, it’s been yet another solid year for the 33-year-old Contreras. The catcher-turned-first-baseman hit .257/.344/.447 (123 wRC+) with 20 homers, 31 doubles and a triple in 563 turns at the plate. His first full year at a new position has generally gone well, too. Defensive Runs Saved (+1) and Statcast’s Outs Above Average (+6) both feel that Contreras has been not only passable at first base but better than average. One would imagine that his defensive chops could continue to improve as he further acclimates to his new home on the diamond, though he’ll also play next season at age 34, so there’ll be a give-and-take between Contreras getting more experience at first base but also slowing down as he ages into his mid-30s.

I have to respectfully submit that we as fans should honestly be striving for more from $18 mill a year players. I do not dislike the guy however I feel he is just not the integral piece on this team some feel he is. Look, 20HR's and 31 doubles are good stats and yes he is passable at defense. It is just that this team is need of some serious chemistry and players with truly solid numbers. For $18 mill I am thinking .280+, 25 HRs, 40 doubles is more of stat line we should be seeing. Wilson also does not appear to be a long term solution with this team in rebuild mode, and it should be about players looking to be here 5 years from now. I am one that is hoping he is convinced to go to a contender in the off season.

I agree and let Burly play 1B!

[Goldfan]

Assuming that’s the case, it’s been yet another solid year for the 33-year-old Contreras. The catcher-turned-first-baseman hit .257/.344/.447 (123 wRC+) with 20 homers, 31 doubles and a triple in 563 turns at the plate. His first full year at a new position has generally gone well, too. Defensive Runs Saved (+1) and Statcast’s Outs Above Average (+6) both feel that Contreras has been not only passable at first base but better than average. One would imagine that his defensive chops could continue to improve as he further acclimates to his new home on the diamond, though he’ll also play next season at age 34, so there’ll be a give-and-take between Contreras getting more experience at first base but also slowing down as he ages into his mid-30s.

Agreed

Wish we had two more just like him.

He barely eclipsed Goldy’s numbers last season and he was let go……..his numbers are basically his career avg….whether at C or 1b. Good hitting C very avg 1B

Yet in another thread you said his numbers are down besides RBI. You really are all over the map with weird takes.

What don’t you understand…..I said BASICALLY….and yes they are lower despite not Catching and playing 135games a career high
With the point being Goldy put up SIMILAR numbers and the team moved on……

[Horseradish]

Assuming that’s the case, it’s been yet another solid year for the 33-year-old Contreras. The catcher-turned-first-baseman hit .257/.344/.447 (123 wRC+) with 20 homers, 31 doubles and a triple in 563 turns at the plate. His first full year at a new position has generally gone well, too. Defensive Runs Saved (+1) and Statcast’s Outs Above Average (+6) both feel that Contreras has been not only passable at first base but better than average. One would imagine that his defensive chops could continue to improve as he further acclimates to his new home on the diamond, though he’ll also play next season at age 34, so there’ll be a give-and-take between Contreras getting more experience at first base but also slowing down as he ages into his mid-30s.

Agreed

Wish we had two more just like him.

He barely eclipsed Goldy’s numbers last season and he was let go……..his numbers are basically his career avg….whether at C or 1b. Good hitting C very avg 1B

Yet in another thread you said his numbers are down besides RBI. You really are all over the map with weird takes.

What don’t you understand…..I said BASICALLY….and yes they are lower despite not Catching and playing 135games a career high
With the point being Goldy put up SIMILAR numbers and the team moved on……

I understand that words have meaning and you can’t stay consistent with your whining. Cool story about Goldy.

[Jatalk]

WC out? There go our playoff hopes.

[Goldfan]

Assuming that’s the case, it’s been yet another solid year for the 33-year-old Contreras. The catcher-turned-first-baseman hit .257/.344/.447 (123 wRC+) with 20 homers, 31 doubles and a triple in 563 turns at the plate. His first full year at a new position has generally gone well, too. Defensive Runs Saved (+1) and Statcast’s Outs Above Average (+6) both feel that Contreras has been not only passable at first base but better than average. One would imagine that his defensive chops could continue to improve as he further acclimates to his new home on the diamond, though he’ll also play next season at age 34, so there’ll be a give-and-take between Contreras getting more experience at first base but also slowing down as he ages into his mid-30s.

Agreed

Wish we had two more just like him.

He barely eclipsed Goldy’s numbers last season and he was let go……..his numbers are basically his career avg….whether at C or 1b. Good hitting C very avg 1B

Yet in another thread you said his numbers are down besides RBI. You really are all over the map with weird takes.

What don’t you understand…..I said BASICALLY….and yes they are lower despite not Catching and playing 135games a career high
With the point being Goldy put up SIMILAR numbers and the team moved on……

I understand that words have meaning and you can’t stay consistent with your whining. Cool story about Goldy.

Take a look at his career stats and let me know what moving to 1b and playing a career high 135games(WOW) did for his numbers this season
6 more RBI than career high??? OH BOY
If not worrying or getting beat up catching was suppose to free him to concentrate on HITTING and play more games
Why aren’this BA, HR, OBP, OPS, SLG……. at career highs for ‘25???

[OldRed]

Assuming that’s the case, it’s been yet another solid year for the 33-year-old Contreras. The catcher-turned-first-baseman hit .257/.344/.447 (123 wRC+) with 20 homers, 31 doubles and a triple in 563 turns at the plate. His first full year at a new position has generally gone well, too. Defensive Runs Saved (+1) and Statcast’s Outs Above Average (+6) both feel that Contreras has been not only passable at first base but better than average. One would imagine that his defensive chops could continue to improve as he further acclimates to his new home on the diamond, though he’ll also play next season at age 34, so there’ll be a give-and-take between Contreras getting more experience at first base but also slowing down as he ages into his mid-30s.

Agreed

Wish we had two more just like him.

He barely eclipsed Goldy’s numbers last season and he was let go……..his numbers are basically his career avg….whether at C or 1b. Good hitting C very avg 1B

Yet in another thread you said his numbers are down besides RBI. You really are all over the map with weird takes.

What don’t you understand…..I said BASICALLY….and yes they are lower despite not Catching and playing 135games a career high
With the point being Goldy put up SIMILAR numbers and the team moved on……

I understand that words have meaning and you can’t stay consistent with your whining. Cool story about Goldy.

Take a look at his career stats and let me know what moving to 1b and playing a career high 135games(WOW) did for his numbers this season
6 more RBI than career high??? OH BOY
If not worrying or getting beat up catching was suppose to free him to concentrate on HITTING and play more games
Why aren’this BA, HR, OBP, OPS, SLG……. at career highs for ‘25???

Exactly! Agree 100%

[rockondlouie]

Assuming that’s the case, it’s been yet another solid year for the 33-year-old Contreras. The catcher-turned-first-baseman hit .257/.344/.447 (123 wRC+) with 20 homers, 31 doubles and a triple in 563 turns at the plate. His first full year at a new position has generally gone well, too. Defensive Runs Saved (+1) and Statcast’s Outs Above Average (+6) both feel that Contreras has been not only passable at first base but better than average. One would imagine that his defensive chops could continue to improve as he further acclimates to his new home on the diamond, though he’ll also play next season at age 34, so there’ll be a give-and-take between Contreras getting more experience at first base but also slowing down as he ages into his mid-30s.

Agreed

Wish we had two more just like him.

He barely eclipsed Goldy’s numbers last season and he was let go……..his numbers are basically his career avg….whether at C or 1b. Good hitting C very avg 1B

Goldy/2024
654 PA
22 HR
65 RBI
.245 .302 .414 .716
100 OPS+

WillyC/2025
563 PA's (91 fewer)
20 HR
80 RBI
.257 .344 .447 .791
122 OPS+

Goldy/2024
0 OAA

WillyC./2025
+6 OAA

I'm a huge Goldy fan, WillyC too and Willy was a huge upgrade offensively and defensively over 2024 Goldy.

Wish we had two more just like him.