Willson Contreras is casting a broader shadow in St. Louis Cardinals’ camp this spring, bodily modifications ensuing from a weight-room routine he adopted to bulk up for a transfer to first base.
And he has big footwear to fill for the second time.
He permitted a transfer to first base, the place the Cardinals try to fill the void created by Paul Goldschmidt’s departure. Contreras jumped from division rival Chicago to take over for the retiring Yadier Molina in 2023.
“It feels completely totally different, however I do like feeling like I’ve extra time to do different stuff, and I am not so rushed,” Contreras mentioned of being freed of time-consuming catching parts, from finding out particular person hitters on video to memorizing scouting experiences and situational knowledge on each batter.
To be prepared for a higher run-producing function within the St. Louis lineup, Contreras remade his physique as he enters his third season since becoming a member of the Cardinals as a free agent. He final performed first base in 2019 with the Cubs — simply two video games — and confirmed up early to Jupiter, Fla., to get additional reps with infield coach Stubby Clapp.
“He is been working laborious at it,” Cardinals supervisor Oli Marmol mentioned of Contreras, who rotated taking grounders at first with transformed outfielder Alec Burleson on Tuesday.
The longtime catcher tipped the scales at 247 kilos, round 12 to fifteen kilos over his earlier reporting weight and 35 kilos above youthful brother William Contreras’ listed 212 with the Brewers.
“I used to be joking with my brother and I mentioned, ‘I will hit 62 [home runs] this yr,'” Willson Contreras, 32, mentioned.
Contreras, 32, will not discuss his precise dwelling run objectives, however he does not thoughts sharing he needs to be within the lineup day by day. He is accustomed to selecting the ball out of the dust, and Clapp mentioned the transformed catcher’s footwork is healthier across the bag than some might need anticipated. Contreras, re-energized regardless of the restructured lineup, can be listening for naysayers.
“I’ve seen (what folks) say about my protection at first base, or this and that,” Contreras mentioned. “However individuals are gonna say no matter they’re gonna say. I do not give a (expletive). I am the one right here doing my work — placing in my stuff — and I do know what I will do.”
Contreras has by no means hit greater than 24 dwelling runs in a season. Goldschmidt hit 22 final season and 25 in 2023, however was over 30 seven occasions from 2013-22.
Sidelined a number of video games when J.D. Martinez fractured his left forearm on a swing and when he suffered a fractured proper finger when hit by a pitch thrown by Twins right-hander Pablo Lopez, Contreras performed 84 video games in 2024 and hit 15 dwelling runs.
“I really feel relaxed, I really feel assured,” Contreras mentioned.
–Subject Stage Media