photo: Willson Contreras (Gary A Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports)
Christmas came 2 ½ weeks early for St. Louis Cardinals fans. On Wednesday, national writer Jon Morosi broke the news that free agent catcher Willson Contreras has agreed to a five-year, $87.5 million contract with the club.
The news is not yet confirmed by the team and if custom is followed, will not be until a physical can be performed. Contreras becomes the replacement for future Hall of Fame catcher Yadier Molina, who retired.
The former Chicago Cubs backstop was a National League All-Star in 2018, 2019 and 2022. The 30-year-old earned a World Series ring in 2016.
Over his seven seasons with Chicago, Contreras posted a .256/.349/.459/.808 slash line for a 115 OPS+, 15% over league average. The right-handed hitter gives the Cardinals an offensive upgrade over Molina and another power bat in the lineup, which they had been seeking. Specifically, Contreras hit more than 20 home runs four years, including in both 2021 and 2022.
Defensively, Contreras is no Molina in the areas of game calling and pitch framing. His blocking, run game management and arm strength are among his positives in the field.
Before and especially during the Winter Meetings, the Cardinals were reportedly active in pursuing trades for a catcher, including with Oakland and Toronto. Ultimately, the Cardinals apparently decided the cost in players to acquire a catcher in trade was steeper than the five years of salary plus penalties for signing the free agent Contreras.
Earlier this fall, the Cubs made Contreras a qualifying offer on a one-year, $19.65 million contract for 2023, which the native of Venezuela declined. Chicago will now receive a 2023 compensatory draft pick after the first round.
Even though no current players are lost, the cost beyond salary for St. Louis to sign Contreras is still significant. In 2023, the Cardinals will forfeit their second-highest draft pick and $500,000 in international bonus money (roughly 10% of their annual pool total).
With Contreras, St. Louis now has 39 players on its 40-man roster.
For more
To see all players in the system by level and position plus every transaction all year ‘round, check out the always free Roster Matrix here at The Cardinal Nation. Contreras will be added when the signing is official.
On Closeout – 2022 Prospect Guide
The Cardinal Nation 2022 Prospect Guide is back for a fifth year. It includes 276 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including dozens of color photos. Order your PDF or printed book copy today! The latter is now 20% off.
Exclusively for members of The Cardinal Nation
Not yet a member?
Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.
Follow Brian Walton on Twitter.
© 2022 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.