Cardinals: Willson Contreras says he is interested in St. Louis

The St. Louis Cardinals are peaking the interest of star Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras

The St. Louis Cardinals have a huge need at catcher opening up this offseason with the retirement of Yadier Molina, and Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras is already interested in and investigating the team.

NBC Sports Chicago’s Gordon Wittenmyer posted quotes from Contreras’ interest in being the Cardinals next catcher. When asked about if he’s considered what it would be like to be a Cardinal, he said “Oh, yeah, for sure”.

Contreras has already had conversations with former teammate Jose Quintana about St. Louis, and heard great reviews from his former battery mate. Here are some more quotes

“He said it’s a really good team and he like it there. But we don’t know what is going to happen.”

Contreras went on to say “If they want me there, I’ll be there. If they want me here, I’ll be here. I don’t know what’s going to happen”.

The 30-year old’s comments do sound like a player looking to drive up his value a bit. At the very least, indicating interest in St. Louis should in theory get Chicago to open up their pocket books more as well. But this is not just a leverage play, there is clear interest from both Contreras and the Cardinals about bringing him to St. Louis.

Contreras has slashed .243/.349/.466 with 22 HR and 55 RBI on the struggling Cubs this year. Contreras would be a major offensive upgrade at catcher for St. Louis, and provide the club with another steady presence behind the plate calling games. The Cubs catcher has played in some of the biggest spots, winning the 2016 World Series with Chicago, and would bring championship pedigree to St. Louis.

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All quotes come from and can be found on Wittenmyer’s story at NBC Sports Chicago