Willson Contreras continuing to prove his value to Red Sox

Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras. Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Willson Contreras continuing to prove his value to Red Sox

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated May 24, 2026 4:11 PM ET

Willson Contreras has been an astonishingly valuable addition to the Boston Red Sox, serving as an offensive catalyst in the lineup as well as providing a fiery clubhouse presence.

Contreras hit his 11th home run of the season against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday to tie the game and spark the offense.

The 34-year-old is crushing it against sinkers, batting .400 with an .800 SLG. His 11th home run was hit 382 feet deep with an exit velocity of 105.6 mph off of right-handed pitcher Bailey Ober.

Acting as an anchor in the Red Sox lineup, Contreras is on pace to reach career highs this season. He hit 20 home runs in 135 games last season, and he's already hit 11 across only 50 games this season.

Willson Contreras this season:

.278 AVG
11 HR
33 RBI
.375 OBP
.523 SLG
.898 OPS
148 wRC+
2.0 fWAR (T-3rd among 1B)

Contreras continues to be an incredible pickup for Boston pic.twitter.com/FZM9siKWMu
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) May 24, 2026

Willson Contreras brings life to Boston Red Sox roster

Consistency is the name of the game for Contreras, who possesses an elite bat speed of 76 mph, sitting in the 93rd percentile, and a barrel rate of 15.6% in the 90th percentile.

This season has been monumental for Contreras as he collected his 1,000th MLB hit on May 22 against the Twins with an RBI triple.

Beyond his offensive upside, he has provided elite defense at first base, with an OAA of 4, ranking in the 93rd percentile. The veteran is batting .278 with an .898 OPS and an expected slugging percentage (xSLG) of .528.

He's continued to make reliable contact and show raw power, serving as a bright spot in a struggling lineup.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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