Willson Contreras To Red Sox? Why Boston Should Consider All-Star Catcher

2022 stats (with Chicago Cubs)
113 video games (487 plate appearances)
22 HRs, 55 RBIs, 4 SBs
.243/.349/.466
128 OPS+, 3.3 fWAR

Profession stats (eight seasons)
734 video games (2,859 plate appearances)
117HRs, 365 RBIs, 22 SBs
.256/.349/.459
115 OPS+, 15.5 fWAR

Why Contreras is sensible for Crimson Sox
Boston probably will roll with Connor Wong and Reese McGuire at catcher in 2023 if it doesn’t make a signing on the place. The Crimson Sox clearly wish to enhance from final season and including a expertise like Contreras would assist in doing that. In fact, Xander Bogaerts is a precedence, but when the Crimson Sox can work out a deal that doesn’t reset the market, just like the Philadelphia Phillies did with J.T. Realmuto, Boston might signal each Contreras and Bogaerts. The offensive output from each gamers could be unbelievable to observe at Fenway Park. Contreras has posted an OPS+ of over 100 in six of his seven seasons within the majors.

One of many rule adjustments that may take impact in 2023 can be bigger bases. Many gamers have mocked the thought, nevertheless it’s not recognized what impact this may really have on the sport. It probably will imply groups will no less than attempt to make the most of their pace extra. To fight this, groups ought to prioritize having a robust defensive catcher, and Contreras suits that invoice.

Why Contreras doesn’t make sense for Crimson Sox
Value would a significant component within the 30-year-old not arriving to Boston. Nevertheless it needs to be famous solely three catchers are making over $18 million a 12 months — Realmuto, Kansas Metropolis Royals’ Salvador Pérez and Chicago White Sox’s Yasmani Grandal. Realmuto’s deal probably is an outlier because the 31-year-old debatable is the perfect backstop within the recreation. Pérez is a franchise legend, and Grandal’s deal isn’t trying so nice because of the 34-year-old’s harm historical past. Contreras might command an identical common annual worth at $18 million, and Boston’s possibilities on signing the three-time All-Star would rely on if it will get caught in a bidding conflict. It’s one thing the Crimson Sox don’t must do as there are many choices on the place, together with a reunion with Christian Vázquez.

Verdict: Contreras could be an excellent addition to the Crimson Sox, however the catcher seems to need his payday, and which may be the deal breaker for Boston amid a variety of different choices that may be pursued with out breaking the financial institution.

Prediction: Contreras fills within the massive sneakers of Yadier Molina and indicators with the St. Louis Cardinals.