St. Louis Cardinals' Willson Contreras. Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Cardinals make big move with Willson Contreras

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Nov 6, 2024 6:37 PM ET

Two years after making a big splash by signing Willson Contreras, the St. Louis Cardinals are admitting that at least one aspect of that move has not worked out for them.

The Cardinals are planning to move Contreras to first base for the 2025 season, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Contreras was originally signed as a catcher but will make the move with the impending departure of free agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

NL Gm’s are meeting the media. One thing to address with Cardinals brass: Willson Contreras is moving to first base.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) November 6, 2024

Contreras has been a catcher for his entire career, but his defense was an issue in St. Louis. At one point, the Cardinals planned to move him to left field, but that experiment was also short-lived, and he was once again the team’s primary backstop in 2024.

Since joining the Cardinals, Contreras’ bat has held up, and he has hit .263 with 35 home runs over his two seasons in St. Louis. He should be fine at first base, and with three years and $54M left on his contract, the offensive production will have to continue.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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