While several intriguing storylines have emerged as the Braves get set to defend their World Series title, the one that has caught the eye of 92.9 The Game’s Joe Patrick is a potential position change for catcher William Contreras.
On today’s episode of ‘Batter Up,’ Patrick and co-host Caleb Johnson were giving their bold predictions for the upcoming season when he suggested that Contreras’ work in right field and 3B this spring could lead to a permanent position change in an effort to get his bat into the lineup on a more consistent basis.
“I love what they’re doing because it’s not like he was some superstar catcher behind the plate. If anything, he was hurting you with his defense, so get him out of there and put him in a place where he can actually be productive and where he can focus a lot his training time on his appearances at the plate.”
Patrick’s prediction also included 15-20 home runs for the 24-year-old. Contreras started 47 games for the Braves in 2021 when Travis d’Arnaud was injured. The Braves brought in Manny Piña in the offseason to back up d’Arnaud, but if injuries occur to both catchers, Contreras could be moved back behind the plate.
While he agrees with the move, Johnson would be hesitant to move Contreras back to a catcher role after time spent at another position.
“There is that risk that the Braves make this move and have to move Contreras back behind the plate. Then I wonder, what damage does that do to a guy who is already not a very good defensive catcher when you move him out of position?
He also noted that a permanent position change for Contreras would further underscore the risk behind Shea Langeliers’ inclusion in the deal for Matt Olson. Langeliers was seen as the catcher of the future in the organization prior to the trade.
The Braves open up the 2022 season at Truist Park against the Cincinnati Reds this Thursday.
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