One of the notable changes for the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason involves a position switch for their perennial All-Star catcher. John Mozeliak, the team’s president of baseball operations, revealed to John Denton of MLB.com that Willson Contreras, who has long been a fixture behind the plate, will no longer catch. Instead, he will transition to first base and serve as the designated hitter.
Willson Contreras Will No Longer Catch Next Season**
Contreras Eager to Stay with the Cardinals**
As the Cardinals embark on a soft rebuild and focus on developing young talent, the organization has informed several veterans with long-term contracts about upcoming changes, giving them the option to decide whether to stay or be traded. John Mozeliak, the team’s president of baseball operations, shared with John Denton of MLB.com that Willson Contreras has “expressed interest” in remaining with the Cardinals through this transition. Despite the move away from catching, Contreras is committed to staying with the team.
**Contreras Under Contract Through 2028, But Cardinals Willing to Keep Him Despite Payroll Cuts**
Willson Contreras is in the second year of a five-year, $87.5 million contract, with a club option for a sixth season valued at $17.5 million. The Cardinals hold control over his deal through 2028, by which time Contreras will be 36 years old.
Even as the team works to trim payroll, they appear willing to honor the full terms of Contreras’ hefty contract. This offseason, the Cardinals have already slashed $55 million from their payroll, parting ways with former MVP Paul Goldschmidt by allowing him to enter free agency and declining club options on veterans Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, and Keynan Middleton.
John Mozeliak told John Denton of MLB.com that at least one veteran has expressed interest in being traded as the team shifts toward a rebuild. If that player is one of the high-priced pitchers—Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, or Steven Matz—or third baseman Nolan Arenado, the Cardinals could cut an even larger portion from their payroll.
**Contreras’ Move Away from Catcher**
After a 2024 season marked by injury struggles, with Contreras spending a significant portion of the year on the injured list, the decision to move him off catcher is primarily driven by the desire to preserve his health and extend his career. Mozeliak emphasized that the shift is intended to help Contreras remain a key contributor to the team for the long haul.
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