Willson Contreras Had Strong Words After Being Hit by Paul Skenes

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 1:56 PM ET

Willson Contreras is in his third season with the St. Louis Cardinals and his first as a full-time first baseman.

After seven years behind the plate and at DH for the Chicago Cubs, he inked a five-year, $87.5 million deal with St. Louis in December 2022. That contract includes a club option for 2028, potentially extending his stay to six seasons.

Over a ten-year major-league career, the 33-year-old has earned three All-Star nods and captured a World Series ring in 2016 during his rookie year in Chicago.

His veteran presence made him a natural fit at first base, where the Cardinals have leaned on his leadership and added availability in the lineup.

On July 1 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Contreras suffered a left-hand contusion after being struck by a Paul Skenes fastball and was removed from the game. Fortunately, X-rays came back negative, and the club has labeled him day-to-day with bruising.

After the game, Contreras voiced his frustration after being struck and forced to exit the game, "Protect myself, and hopefully somebody protects me."

“Protect myself, and hopefully somebody protects me.”

Willson Contreras called the recent HBPs 'scary' and 'really scary' and he's concerned about the number of times he's been hit -- and discussed why and what to do ... https://t.co/yCbeCrCUdx
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) July 2, 2025

Contreras leads the majors with 14 hit-by-pitches so far in 2025.

Through 82 games this season, Contreras is batting .248 with 11 home runs and a .761 OPS—numbers that are down from his career averages but still productive.

After a scoreless showing in yesterday’s 1–0 loss to Pittsburgh, the Cardinals will have to rebound without their All-Star first baseman. Burleson’s glove and the club’s depth at first base will be tested until Contreras is ready to return. The organization remains hopeful that their veteran slugger will be back in the lineup by the week’s end.

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

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