Willson Contreras rumors: 5 best destinations and why
By Tim Boyle
2) Willson Contreras rumors could land him with the longtime rival St. Louis Cardinals
No team may make more sense for Willson Contreras rumors to take over than with the St. Louis Cardinals. Yadier Molina is lounging somewhere hoping he never has to take a foul tip off the thigh ever again.
Meanwhile, Contreras is sitting out there looking for a new home. The catcher spot is wide open in St. Louis. The defending National League Central Champions can really stick it to the Cubs by signing away one of the fan-favorites for the last several years.
The Cardinals can offer Contreras an even better shot to win immediately. Their need for a catcher is even greater as well. The Cubs can always turn to Yan Gomes.
Contreras wouldn’t be the first big free agent to turn and sign with a rival. He won’t be the last either if he ends up in St. Louis.
3) Willson Contreras rumors should include landing with the Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are certainly equipped to win again. Already, there have been offseason Willson Contreras rumors about their interest in the free agent catcher. He was a target at the trade deadline they didn’t go after aggressively enough. It didn’t matter. They won the World Series anyway.
Contreras in the Astros lineup would be a big difference from what the fans have gotten used to. Years of Martin Maldonado and/or Jason Castro have prepared the fans for weaker-hitting catchers who focused on the defensive side of things. Contreras is a much more balanced player.
The Astros should already be favorites to at least make it into the ALCS. And even if they don’t win it all in 2023, there’s a fantastic chance they do so the following year.