After Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina retired at the end of the 2022 season, the St. Louis Cardinals knew they had work to do this offseason.
President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak put special emphasis on finding a new catcher.
Today, the Cardinals checked that box and came away with their biggest free agent signing since Matt Holliday back in 2010.
The team came to an agreement with former Chicago Cubs catcher and three-time All-Star Willson Contreras on a five-year, $87.5 million deal.
The 30-year-old hit just .243 in 2022, but hit 22 home runs and posted an OPS of .815.
Jeff Passan of ESPN provided the details of the contract on Twitter.
Catcher Willson Contreras and the St. Louis Cardinals are in agreement on a five-year, $87.5 million contract, a source familiar with the deal tells ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 7, 2022
Contreras To The Cards
Contreras is now the latest player to take part in the Cubs and Cardinals rivalry, experiencing both sides.
In 2016, the Cardinals signed Dexter Fowler to a five-year deal shortly after he had won a World Series title with the Cubs.
St. Louis has now found Molina’s successor.
Contreras was one of the last remaining holdovers from the Cubs 2016 World Series team.
The star catcher was almost dealt at the trade deadline, but the Cubs ultimately held onto him.
What Contreras lacks in defense can be made up for with his bat.
The former World Series champion has a lifetime average of .256 and a career total of 117 home runs in his first seven years.
Now, the Cardinals will turn their focus to acquiring another bat.
St. Louis had expressed its desire to acquire a left-handed bat, either via trade or free agency.
But Contreras is exactly what the Cardinals need, and their lineup will look scary in 2023.
NEXT: Cardinals Manager Comments On The 2023 Outfield