Willson Contreras should remain the Cardinals Catcher. After signing a five-year contract worth $87.5 million to be the starting catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, replacing the great Yadier Molina, Contreras was promptly removed from catching duties after just one month as the backstop.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, “The starting pitchers told management they simply no longer wanted to pitch to him, at least not this season.”
From May 1 to May 22, Contreras started 13 of 20 games as the designated hitter. Then, all of a sudden, he started each of the next 19 games as the catcher. It was a weird situation for all parties involved, especially the fans.
Fans are wondering what Contreras’ role will be in 2024. The info here will help those fans see why Contreras should stay at catcher for next season.
Why Willson Contreras Should Remain the Cardinals Catcher
Catching Stats
According to Baseball Savant, Contreras ranked in the 31st percentile in blocks above average (-1), 13th percentile in framing (-5), and 29th percentile in fielding run value (-3). FanGraphs lists Contreras as having a -8 defensive runs saved (DRS) and -1.7 defense value.
According to these stats, Contreras was a below-average catcher, and his DRS was a career-worst. But it wasn’t all terrible for the backstop.
One thing Contreras did well was throw runners out. Baseball Savant ranks Contreras in the 85th percentile in caught stealing above average (4) and 70th percentile in pop time (1.93). FanGraphs gives him a (2) for stolen base runs saved above average.
Contreras Has Always Been a Catcher
Contreras is going on his 16th season as a professional catcher and has been a full-time MLB catcher since September 2016. He helped the Chicago Cubs win the 2016 World Series as their primary catcher.
Compared to the other catchers on the Cardinals roster, Contreras has more experience than both Andrew Knizner and Ivan Herrera.
Was 2023 Willson Contreras’ Worst Season?
2023 was the overall worst season for Contreras from a defense standpoint thus far in his career. Anything can happen moving forward, but I expect it to get better.
2023 was his first with the Cardinals and his first season with the high expectations of being a catcher in this organization. Everything was different for the veteran backstop. He had a new pitching coach, bullpen coach, manager, and pitchers. Cut him some slack and let him figure it out.
What can the Cardinals do to Help Contreras?
- Hire Yadier Molina
- Get better pitching
- Don’t bench him
- Declare him the starting catcher
Contreras will be better next season, but his true path to success is within these four tips. If the Cardinals do these things, they will be much better than they were a season ago. If the pitching staff struggles again, then they can blame Contreras and look to move him to DH or the outfield.
Final Line
No matter what, Contreras is one of the best hitters on the team and needs to be in the lineup as much as possible.
Tomorrows Baseball 
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