With the St. Louis Cardinals in need of a new catcher to replace the retired Yadier Molina, many fans have been clamoring for the team to go out and sign Willson Contreras, who is the top catcher on the free agent market.
In terms of offense, Contreras could be exactly what the Cardinals need.
The former Chicago Cubs backstop and 2016 World Series champion hit just .243, but blasted 22 home runs and knocked in 55 runs.
However, in terms of defense, the Cardinals could use somebody better.
That’s where catchers such as Christian Vazquez and Sean Murphy come into play.
On Twitter, a Cardinals fan made a bold claim, saying that Contreras is not the catcher the Cardinals need.
I'm going to say it:
Willson Contreras is not the best option for the #STLCards at catcher
— STL Sports Central (@stlsportscntrl) December 1, 2022
Cardinals Catcher Options
In reality, it’s unlikely that the Cardinals will dish out a large contract to sign Contreras.
While they’re in a position to increase payroll, Vazquez would be more cost-efficient.
Vazquez and Molina do in fact share the same agent.
The 32-year-old hit .274 with nine home runs with the Boston Red Sox and World Series champion Houston Astros.
Murphy, a former Gold-Glove catcher, would make sense for the Cardinals, but they also appear to be discussing trades with the Toronto Blue Jays, who have been dangling Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen.
Kirk and Murphy would come at a high price, but a move to acquire Jansen would certainly make sense for St. Louis.
But in terms of free agency, it appears unlikely that the Cardinals will make a play for Contreras, much to some fans’ dismay.
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