Willson Contreras - Catcher

[Basil Shabazz]

Don't be surprised if a team wanting Willson Contreras values him as a catcher who can hit more than an average hitting 1B. Truth is that Contreras was never a bad catcher; he surely wasn't Yadi, but he was average behind the plate at worst. An average defensive catcher with an .800 OPS is a commodity.

[Shady]

Don't be surprised if a team wanting Willson Contreras values him as a catcher who can hit more than an average hitting 1B. Truth is that Contreras was never a bad catcher; he surely wasn't Yadi, but he was average behind the plate at worst. An average defensive catcher with an .800 OPS is a commodity.

That would certainly improve Contreras' trade value/possibilities. But would Contreras actually waive his NTC to return to catching. Especially, at his age.

[cardinalsfan27]

I’m surprised Seattle isn’t in on him. He could catch the days Raleigh DH’s and split time at DH and 1st with Naylor.

[rockondlouie]

Don't be surprised if a team wanting Willson Contreras values him as a catcher who can hit more than an average hitting 1B. Truth is that Contreras was never a bad catcher; he surely wasn't Yadi, but he was average behind the plate at worst. An average defensive catcher with an .800 OPS is a commodity.

Agreed Basil

And that only increases his trade value!

[ecleme22]

Well, increased versatility is always a plus. I guess it depends if WC is willing to play catcher again.

It should be noted though, WC did play a solid 1b this year. So while his offensive numbers weren’t eye popping, his solid defense helps his overall value.

[OldRed]

Well, increased versatility is always a plus. I guess it depends if WC is willing to play catcher again.

It should be noted though, WC did play a solid 1b this year. So while his offensive numbers weren’t eye popping, his solid defense helps his overall value.

Are you kidding. There is such a thing as insubordination. He was signed to be the catcher. And for practical purposes in my opinion that is where he should be playing.

[scoutyjones2]

Well, increased versatility is always a plus. I guess it depends if WC is willing to play catcher again.

It should be noted though, WC did play a solid 1b this year. So while his offensive numbers weren’t eye popping, his solid defense helps his overall value.

Are you kidding. There is such a thing as insubordination. He was signed to be the catcher. And for practical purposes in my opinion that is where he should be playing.

LMAO...insubordination?? LMAO

Old stupid at it again

[ScotchMIrish]

He either can't catch or doesn't want to catch.

Mets were rumored. Sounds like a good fit.

[ecleme22]

Well, increased versatility is always a plus. I guess it depends if WC is willing to play catcher again.

It should be noted though, WC did play a solid 1b this year. So while his offensive numbers weren’t eye popping, his solid defense helps his overall value.

Are you kidding. There is such a thing as insubordination. He was signed to be the catcher. And for practical purposes in my opinion that is where he should be playing.

Hey Mr “defense is super important.”

WC was a better 1b this year compared to his time at catcher in STL.

And yes, when you move a guy from catcher to a different position and I haven’t played that different position the entire year, he’s allowed to have a say so whether he wants to go back to catcher.

[Ronnie Dobbs]

And yes, when you move a guy from catcher to a different position and I haven’t played that different position the entire year, he’s allowed to have a say so whether he wants to go back to catcher.

Right, similar to what you said earlier, Willson's willingness to play catcher could factor into whether or not he's willing to waive his NTC. Like, if he really wants to play catcher again and some team wants to trade for him, that's probably going to be a part of the conversations that the Cardinals are having with the team. Or if he's saying that, no, he's a 1B/DH now, same deal.

That NTC gives him a lot of power.

[PadsFS07]

Contreras had a .791 OPS, wRC+ of 124 and the average 1Bman had a .744, wRC+ of 107. 11th best among qualified 1Bmen.

He’s not average.

[C-Unit]

Before we signed him I remember the Astros wanting to trade for him specifically not to play catcher (they wanted him to DH/LF if I remember right). That's just one example. Someone highlight for me the teams specifically looking for a catcher that are in a position to try Contreras back at that position. If it's a contending team, I'm not sure they'd want to go with a known weak defensive catcher. If it's a non-contender, would Contreras want to go there just to play catcher. Maybe he really wants to catch again I don't know. He also seems like he wants to do what's best for the team, at least when playing for a contender like St Louis.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Before we signed him I remember the Astros wanting to trade for him specifically not to play catcher (they wanted him to DH/LF if I remember right). That's just one example. Someone highlight for me the teams specifically looking for a catcher that are in a position to try Contreras back at that position. If it's a contending team, I'm not sure they'd want to go with a known weak defensive catcher. If it's a non-contender, would Contreras want to go there just to play catcher. Maybe he really wants to catch again I don't know. He also seems like he wants to do what's best for the team, at least when playing for a contender like St Louis.

Tampa Bay, Texas Rangers, and San Diego Padres.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Perhaps the Red Sox and Mets to primarily play 1B and serve as the second catcher.

[C-Unit]

Before we signed him I remember the Astros wanting to trade for him specifically not to play catcher (they wanted him to DH/LF if I remember right). That's just one example. Someone highlight for me the teams specifically looking for a catcher that are in a position to try Contreras back at that position. If it's a contending team, I'm not sure they'd want to go with a known weak defensive catcher. If it's a non-contender, would Contreras want to go there just to play catcher. Maybe he really wants to catch again I don't know. He also seems like he wants to do what's best for the team, at least when playing for a contender like St Louis.

Tampa Bay, Texas Rangers, and San Diego Padres.

Thank you

[RunSup]

Contreras had a .791 OPS, wRC+ of 124 and the average 1Bman had a .744, wRC+ of 107. 11th best among qualified 1Bmen.

He’s not average.

^this^

WC was above average both defensively and offensively as a firstbaseman in 2025. His contract is reasonable and short term. He has a competitive spirit.

Good teams looking to add 1B this year should be knocking on the door. Hence the Red Sox and the Mets.

If they need a backup catcher, add Crooks to the package and get a better prospect in return.