This offseason, the St. Louis Cardinals had a big hole to fill at the catcher position with Yadier Molina having retired.
Fortunately, they found their man, signing veteran backstop Willson Contreras to a five-year, $87.5 million deal.
By adding Contreras, they replaced Molina behind the plate and also found somebody who could replicate the production lost by the retirement of Albert Pujols.
Today, the Cardinals will finally get a chance to see their big offseason acquisition in action, as pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training.
On Twitter, Cardinals insider Derrick Goold posted a picture of Contreras walking into camp with a big smile on his face and a bag with the Cardinals logo on his back.
Willson Contreras arrives in #stlcards camp. pic.twitter.com/svEKex8b80
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) February 13, 2023
The time has come.
Baseball is back, and Cardinals fans will now have the chance to see Contreras suit up in red.
Contreras has been the Cardinals’ only major acquisition this offseason, but he’ll significantly improve their lineup and give them a third power bat to go next to reigning MVP Paul Goldschmidt and MVP finalist Nolan Arenado.
It certainly won’t be the same without Molina, but with a new catcher in town, St. Louis is ready to roll.
Contreras is a three-time All-Star and was a key piece in the Chicago Cubs’ run to the World Series in 2016, having always been a thorn in the side of the Cardinals.
Now, the 30-year-old will suit up in Cardinal red and enjoy the other side of the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry.
He’ll look to endear himself to the St. Louis fanbase and help the Cards return to the postseason.
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