The St. Louis Cardinals add a big bat to their lineup with the signing of Willson Contreras
The St. Louis Cardinals made a big splash on Wednesday at the MLB Winter Meetings, potentially shaking up the NL Central division a little more.
Former Chicago Cubs catcher and three-time all-star Willson Contreras is staying in the division. But he’s signing with St. Louis, agreeing to a five-year deal worth $87.5M. And that’s bad news for the Milwaukee Brewers.
The St. Louis Cardinals and Willson Contreras are in agreement on a 5-year, $87.5M deal per @jonmorosi and @JeffPassan pic.twitter.com/v4PInZ1Uaz
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 7, 2022
The 30-year-old Contreras was called up by the Cubs in 2016 and has developed into one of the best catchers in all of baseball. He’s hit 20+ home runs in four of his seven seasons, with two expectations being limited time in 2016 and shortened 2020 season.
Over his career, Contreras is a .256/.349/.459 career hitter and has a WAR of 20.8. It’s a big addition for St. Louis, as they add another big bat to their lineup. One that already features good hitters like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado. This gives St. Louis another boost in the heart of their order.
The Brewers and Contreras have a bit of a history, too.
Going into last season, Contreras was hit by a pitch 58 times but 14 have come against the Brewers. A few of those have led to some tense moments, too. It might be a different team but Milwaukee’s rivalry with Contreras will continue on.
