One of the most infamous trades in Milwaukee Brewers history was the 2022 trade deadline deal that shipped All-Star closer Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres. At the time of the trade, both players and fans were understandably frustrated with the move. Milwaukee sputtered after the trade, citing a sense of distrust in team management.
Of course, the return for Hader left a lot to be desired as the team pushed for a spot in the postseason. Taylor Rogers posted a 5.48 ERA in 24 games; Robert Gasser is still in the minors; Dinelson Lamet was waived right away and never pitched for Milwaukee; and Esteury Ruiz could not hit on the Major League level.
As Milwaukee missed the postseason for the first time in four years, fans were upset that the team seemingly was entering a rebuild. However, those thoughts were soon altered by what the front office did next.
The Milwaukee Brewers Trade for William Contreras
Months after the disappointing 2022 season ended, the Brewers’ front office pulled off what is on its way to becoming one of the absolute best trades in franchise history. Milwaukee joined a blockbuster trade between the Oakland Athletics and Atlanta Braves that was highlighted by first baseman Sean Murphy going from Oakland to Atlanta.
While there were numerous other players involved that went from Atlanta to Oakland (including former Brewers catcher Manny Pina), each team ended up sending players to Milwaukee. For their part in the trade, the Brewers sent Esteury Ruiz to the Athletics. In return, Milwaukee received Joel Payamps from Oakland as well as Justin Yeager and William Contreras from Atlanta.
Milwaukee Brewers Catcher William Contreras Has Been One of the Best Hitters in Baseball
In his first season as Milwaukee’s catcher, Contreras played 141 games (the most of his career) while hitting .289/.367/.457 with 17 home runs and 78 RBI. Of the 141 games that he played, he caught 108 of them while appearing as the Brewers’ designated hitter in the other 33.
For his offensive production, Contreras was awarded the National League’s Silver Slugger Award at the catcher position. Now, in 2024, he is looking to be even better as the new-look young Brewers look to shock the baseball world.
William Contreras Has Played in 56-Consecutive Games for the Milwaukee Brewers
Before the season started, Contreras made it known that it was his goal to play all 162 games of the regular season. The last Brewers player to accomplish that feat was Prince Fielder in 2011.
So far, Contreras has played in each of Milwaukee’s first 19 games. He has caught 16 of them while playing in the other three as the designated hitter. Contreras currently leads the National League with a .372 batting average while producing a slash line of .372/.444/.590 with four home runs and 20 RBI.
Dating back to last season, Contreras has played in 56 consecutive games. Dominic Cotroneo of 620 WTMJ shared on X where Contreras ranks in several offensive categories during this stretch:
William Contreras has started 56 consecutive regular season games going back to last season. His numbers and MLB ranks:
.345 AVG (1st)
.434 OBP (3rd)
.542 SLG (16th)
.966 OPS (11th)
76 hits (1st)And the Brewers are 37-19 over this stretch of baseball.#ThisIsMyCrew
— Dominic Cotroneo (@Dom_Cotroneo) April 20, 2024
As Cotroneo notes, Milwaukee is 37-19 in their last 56 games. With such a young roster, it appears that Contreras has emerged as a team leader on the field. It is easy to see that the Brewers are a much better team when he is in the lineup.
There should be early talk about Contreras contending for the National League MVP this season, and if he continues to produce and play everyday, he very well might win it.
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