CHICAGO (670 The Score) – As Willson Contreras returned to Wrigley Field as a visiting player Monday, he did so relieved of his catching duties by the struggling Cardinals.
For the time being, Contreras will be used as St. Louis’ designated hitter and perhaps as a corner outfielder. Meanwhile, the Cubs have moved on after watching Contreras join the Cardinals on a five-year, $87.5-million deal in December.
Chicago’s primary catcher is Yan Gomes, though he’s out with a concussion currently. Even Contreras recognizes what great hands the Cubs pitching staff is in with Gomes behind the plate.
"Yan Gomes is one of the best teammates I ever had,” said Contreras, who played his first seven MLB seasons for the Cubs. “We worked really well together, and nothing was against me about it. I am really glad they kept him around.”
The two catchers on the Cubs’ active roster right now are veteran Tucker Barnhart and rookie Miguel Amaya, who was recently promoted from the minor leagues. Contreras also shared praise for the 24-year-old Amaya, whom he helped mentor.
"With Amaya, I always thought he was a first-rate ballplayer,” Contreras said. “He has a lot of talent. He is really smart, and he has the tools to become a superstar. I always took care of him when I was there. I tried to stay straight with him. I didn't tell him what to do, but I kept my eye out for him. I am very happy for him and his family.”
Amaya appreciated the love from Contreras.
"Willson is a great person and great player,” Amaya said. “He really always gave me good advice and looked out for me. I will always be thankful to him, but now he plays on the Cardinals. We will be competing against each other. Off the field, we will be friends. We will try to beat him and his team every time.”
The Cubs let Contreras go without pursuing him in free agency because they no longer viewed him as the best fit behind the plate for their staff. Contreras and manager David Ross were professional with one another, but they never had a close relationship. They were World Series-winning teammates on the 2016 Cubs, but it was obvious to Contreras that Ross wanted someone different behind the plate.
That’s why the Cubs added the two-time Gold Glove-winning Barnhart on a two-year deal in the offseason to split work with Gomes, whom Chicago signed to a two-year deal ahead of the 2022 season. Those two have meshed well with the pitching staff, as the Cubs’ team 3.34 ERA ranked fourth in MLB entering play Monday.
“When your peers give you compliments, it's the greatest compliment you can ever have as a player,” Ross said of the praise that Gomes has received from others. “Yan is a big part of our culture as well as his performance on the field. He does a really nice job. He approaches his teammates a lot like family. He is always helping and always teaching guys like (Amaya). For Willson to single Yan out, especially sharing a position is the ultimate compliment.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
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