Cardinals moving Contreras to 1B/DH role next season
The St. Louis Cardinals are moving star catcher Willson Contreras to a first base/designated hitter role in 2025, president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said Wednesday, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic.
The Cardinals and Contreras decided the move would be best for the player's health and longevity.
Mozeliak added it's "unlikely" the 32-year-old will catch at all next year. Iván Herrera and Pedro Pagés are now projected to be St. Louis' catching tandem for next season.
"Our medical team recommended (the move) in terms of if he really wants to extend his career, they think this would be best for him," Mozeliak said. "Having (Contreras) play first base, more DH, allowing then Herrera and Pagés more opportunity behind the plate, we think from an offensive standpoint it strengthens us. From a defensive standpoint, it creates an opportunity for those two different players."
The executive had talks with players under no-trade clauses and said Contreras wants to stay in St. Louis.
The three-time All-Star has only started four games at first over his nine-year career. He will take over the position from free agent Paul Goldschmidt.
Contreras ranked in the 35th percentile for framing and 38th percentile for pop time in 2024, according to Baseball Savant.
St. Louis signed Contreras to a five-year, $87.5-million deal in December 2022.