In a contract year, Paul Goldschmidt performed well below expectations for a seven-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger. Age likely caught up with him, and the St. Louis Cardinals’ front office, led by John Mozeliak and his future successor, Chaim Bloom, appears to have signaled its intentions regarding the 2022 National League MVP. A positional switch announcement only adds further weight to this narrative. Late September reports from *The Athletic*’s Katie Woo indicated that the club was “expected” to move on from Goldschmidt, and with recent developments, that decision now seems essentially confirmed.
Former Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, now 32, will be making a position switch to first base, moving 90 feet to the right of the diamond, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. St. Louis Cardinals’ president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, confirmed that Contreras will rotate between first base and designated hitter, a role he held 33 times last season. Given the physical toll of the catching position, this move seems logical as the Cardinals look to maximize their most productive bat (by OPS) from 2024. Although Contreras has only played first base 11 times in his major league career—each instance coming during his first four seasons with the Cubs—the shift to a less demanding position could help keep his bat in the lineup for more games.
Willson Contrera may be able to elevate his biggest strength with the position change
There will certainly be an adjustment period for Willson Contreras as he shifts to first base, but over time, this could lead to a more effective offensive player, especially with his defensive responsibilities now being less taxing on his body. Defensively, Contreras has never been considered elite, so focusing more on his offensive strength could raise his ceiling. With his body freed from the demands of catching, the hope is that his bat will thrive.
Entering the third year of a five-year, $87.5 million contract, Contreras posted a solid .262/.380/.468 slash line in 84 games in 2024—his third-fewest games played in a season thus far. A fractured middle finger on his right hand, which occurred on August 24, ended his campaign prematurely.
As for the Cardinals’ search for a consistent replacement for the retired Yadier Molina, the team will turn to Iván Herrera and Pedro Pagés for the catching duties. Pagés had the edge in starts last season, but Herrera was the more effective player, posting a much better WAR and an .800 OPS in 72 games.
Meanwhile, Paul Goldschmidt’s future with the Cardinals remains uncertain. It’s likely that the former MVP will receive a one-year, “prove-it-type” deal. While his recent performance may not be at the level expected from a seven-time All-Star, his leadership and stability in the clubhouse remain invaluable. Goldschmidt can still be a positive influence on younger players, acting as a mentor while providing solid defense at first base.
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