5 Free agent catchers the Cardinals should check out

Willson Contreras is already checking out the Cardinals

Willson Contreras has already been doing his research on the Cardinals. He reportedly got a good report about the team’s culture from a friend and former teammate, Jose Quintana.

Quintana, who expressed a desire to return, gave the Cardinals a rave review to free agency, arguably the top available catcher in Contreras. He has spent all five seasons with the Cardinals’ division rival, Chicago Cubs. He even helped them win a World Series championship in 2016. He is a three-time All-Star.

Contreras played in 113 games with the Cubs in 2022. Most of the season was spent wondering if he was about to be traded. While that had the be stressful, Contreras still had a great season. He slashed .243/..349/.466 with an OPS of .815. He had 23 doubles, two triples, 22 home runs, 65 runs scored, and 55 RBI. He additionally had four stole bases.

Contreras would be an excellent get for the Cardinals as they would have a continuation of a top-tier catcher with an outstanding work ethic and reputation amongst pitchers and teammates.