(670 The Score) Cardinals catcher-turned-designated hitter/outfielder Willson Contreras isn’t sure what type of ovation he’ll receive Monday evening in his return to Wrigley Field after the Cubs let him go in free agency last winter, speculating that it could be a 50-50 mix of cheers and boos.
“That’s a good question,” Contreras said. “Even though I’m wearing a different uniform, that doesn’t mean I don’t love them. Because they know I love them. They know that I’m really thankful for the fan base and all the support I got the last six years.”
Contreras, 30, signed a five-year, $87.5-million deal with the rival Cardinals in December after playing his first seven MLB seasons for the Cubs. In February, Contreras proclaimed that the Cardinals were a “better organization” than the Cubs.
On Monday, Contreras apologized for that comment.
“I would never say anything against the Chicago Cubs or anything against the fan base,” Contreras said. “I’m a really humble guy, I’m really thankful. The memories I created here and had here, they’re not going to go away. I’m a world champion back in 2016.”
Contreras’ return to Wrigley Field comes at a turbulent time for him. On Saturday, the Cardinals essentially relieved him of his catching duties as their pitching staff has struggled mightily early in the season. While the Cardinals made a point in public comments to not blame Contreras, the move was widely interpreted as scapegoating Contreras, whose abilities to handle pitchers and create and follow a game plan had come under scrutiny in the later years of his Cubs tenure.
For the coming weeks at least, the Cardinals plan to use Contreras as a designated hitter and corner outfielder. In the meantime, Contreras has been meeting with a few Cardinals pitchers in an attempt to get on the same page for a team that’s off to a National League-worst 11-24 start.
“That doesn’t mean I’m not a St. Louis Cardinals catcher,” Contreras said. “Many people think I’m not going to catch anymore. It’s not that way. We’re just following a really good plan to have me catch sometime soon, and we’re following it.”
Contreras took the high road in his pregame media session Monday. Asked if the situation was “weird” to have the plug pulled on his catching duties so soon, Contreras didn’t view it that way, saying he’ll return to the position soon enough. He pushed back on the notion that he was disappointed by the Cardinals’ decision.
“Not really,” he said. “I always give my best, do my best. Those kind of decisions aren’t in my hands.
“I can’t wait to be back behind the plate.”
Contreras also made clear there are “no hard feelings” with the Cubs, for whom he was a three-time All-Star. Contreras signed with the Cubs as an international free agent in 2009, and he was a fiery competitor whose passionate play made him a fan favorite for years.
“I understand that this is a part of the business,” he said. “And last year, I did everything that I could for the Cubs – for 14 years. I understood that it was time to part ways. There’s no hard feelings against anybody there."
Contreras is hitting .265 with two homers, 14 RBIs and a .734 OPS in 33 games this season. He's looking forward to getting back in the batter’s box at Wrigley Field.
“The whole place is always going to have a special place in my heart,” Contreras said.
Listen live to 670 The Score via:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker