The Milwaukee Brewers drastically upgraded the catcher position this offseason, at least offensively. 2022 National League All-Star William Contreras was acquired as part of a three-team trade in which the Brewers sent Esteury Ruiz to the Oakland A’s. The Atlanta Braves sent Contreras to Milwaukee while receiving Sean Murphy from the A’s. There were, of course, many more players involved, but the focus here in Milwaukee is on Contreras. After getting next-to-no production at the plate from the catcher position in 2022, Milwaukee projects to be much better with Contreras in multiple ways. Contreras, though, has a big goal for himself, one which the Brewers’ coaching staff has been known for.
Milwaukee Brewers Catcher William Contreras Wants to Be Better Defensively
As mentioned, Contreras is a massive upgrade offensively for the Brewers. However, he is actually a downgrade when it comes to defense. When Omar Narvaez first came to Milwaukee, he, like Contreras, was a hit-first catcher with a reputation for horrible defense and pitch-framing. According to Todd Rosiak of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Narvaez finished seventh in the Majors with a 49.9% strike rate last season. Contreras, however, finished 48th in the Majors 45.1%, accounted for -4 defensive runs saved, and threw out just 14% of baserunners.
In the article linked above, Contreras spoke to the media through an interpreter to explain what his goals are for the 2023 season:
“That’s kind of my reputation right now, that I’m more of a hitter. But I try to work 50-50 and I want to be as good a catcher as I am a hitter. Right now people are saying I’m 70% hitter and 30% catcher, but I want to even that out and I’m good on both sides.”
Milwaukee has become known for improving their new catchers’ defense. As mentioned, Narvaez improved dramatically thanks to the team’s coaching staff. Before him, even Yasmani Grandal enjoyed more defensive success in his one season in Milwaukee than he had previously in his career.
How William Contreras Makes the Brewers Offense Better
Last season, Omar Narvaez slashed .206/.292/.305 with four home runs and 23 RBI. Victor Caratini, who will again be Milwaukee’s backup catcher, hit .199/.300/.342 with nine home runs and 34 RBI.
Meanwhile, with Atlanta, Contreras hit .278/.354/.506 with 20 home runs and 45 RBI. The numbers, of course, are drastically better. However, Contreras will (hopefully) hopefully help the Brewers’ offense improve in one area that they struggled in mightily in 2022: hitting left-handed pitching.
As a team, Milwaukee hit just .222/.309/.365 against left-handed pitchers in 2022. Contreras, on the other hand, slashed .354/.440/.596 against lefties last season.
One of the most frustrating aspects of the Brewers’ offense in 2022 was their lack of clutch hitting. They hit just .233/.355/.429 when there were two outs and runners in scoring position. Contreras, on the other hand, slashed .279/.326/.465. When games were tied, the Brewers slashed .231/.317/.399. Contreras slashed .271/.330/.471.
Hopefully Contreras’ tendency for timely hitting rubs off on the rest of the team.
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FAQs
How to Watch the Milwaukee Brewers Without Cable?
DirectTV Stream will give local viewers access to watch the Brewers, regardless of the channel they are playing on, Bally Sports Wisconsin, ESPN, Fox, Fox Sports 1, and TBS. fuboTV will also give viewers access to all Brewers games, except those on TBS.
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When Did the Brewers Come to Milwaukee?
The Brewers were founded in 1969 as the Seattle Pilots as part of the American League (AL). After one season, the team relocated to Milwaukee. The Brewers joined the National League (NL) in 1998.
How Did the Brewers Get Their Name?
The Brewers’ name dates back to the early 1900s, originally held by a professional franchise that relocated to become the St.Louis Browns. It honors the beer-brewing industry in and around Milwaukee.
Will the Brewers Win the 2023 World Series?
Sportsbooks have the Brewers at 4000-1 to win the World Series. This is the 14th-best odds among MLB teams. It’s not impossible with players like Christian Yelich, but the odds aren’t in their favor.
