ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Willson Contreras is going to have a new position for the Cardinals in 2025.
Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak told reporters on Wednesday during the GM Meetings that Contreras will transition to first base/ designated hitter role next season, citing his long-term health and longevity. Along that, Contreras, who has a no-trade clause, expressed to the Cardinals that he wants to remain with the team.
Contreras, who joined the Cardinals from rival Chicago Cubs on a five-year, $87.5 million played 148 games at catcher for the Cardinals the past two seasons, but did deal with a variety of injuries, including most notably fracturing his left forearm in an incident behind the plate last May.
Contreras will take over first base, replacing Paul Goldschmidt, who departed the club in free agency and is not expected to return.
Matt Pauley and Bernie Miklasz discussed the Cardinals moving Contreras to first base on Thursday's edition of "The Gashouse Gang" and both were in agreement it was a good move.
"The Cardinals need offense and Contreras was their best hitter last season. In fact, he's been one of the best right handers in the major leagues over the last 2-3 seasons. Based on the whole major-league wide average for offensive numbers at first base, Contreras is way way way above average in terms of offense at first base," said Miklasz on 'The Gashouse Gang' Thursday.
"The other bonus is, unless the Cardinals screw this up, is that their two best hitters, minimum 250 plate appearances were Contreras and Ivan Herrera. By moving Contreras to first base, you open the catcher position for a lot of at-bats for a guy who was your second-best hitter last season. Your lineup has improved because of this move the way I look at it."
Click the player above to listen to the full conversation between Pauley and Miklasz about Contreras moving to first base.