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Cardinals: Pros and cons of free agent targets for St. Louis

Josh Jacobs|
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Trea Turner #6 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws out Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres on an infield grounder during the second inning of a game at PETCO Park on September 28, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Trea Turner #6 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws out Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres on an infield grounder during the second inning of a game at PETCO Park on September 28, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs throws to first base during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs throws to first base during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Willson Contreras

Pros

  • Simply put, Willson Contreras is one of the best hitters at the catcher position in all of baseball. He ranked second among catchers with a 132 wRC+, which would have only ranked behind Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Albert Pujols in 2022. He would be a huge, impact bat for the Cardinals at their weakest position.
  • Contreras has shown the ability to perform on the highest of stages, something that will be needed for the “heir to Yadier Molina”. There will be a ton of pressure, and Contreras can handle that.
  • Unlike the other impact catchers St. Louis would be looking at, he does not require a prospect haul to acquire, though they would have to forfeit a 2nd round draft choice
  • I mean, come on, stealing him from the Chicago Cubs would be pure joy, and it really seems like he wants to play in St. Louis above any other team right now.

Cons

  • Contreras is not the kind of defender St. Louis is used to behind the plate. He is not bad, but he is not good either, and that would be a huge change for the club in how they see that position.
  • Contreras is 30-years old and will command a large contract, which is a bit of a scary investment. Although, Contreras’ projected contract continues to drop, making him not nearly as expensive as once thought.
  • The former Cub only caught 72 games last year, which was a career low for a full big league season. He did catch 116 games in 2021, so its very feasible he gets closer to that number again.
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