The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to sign big this offseason with the loss of multiple stars, and they’re reportedly nearing a deal with Cubs catcher Willson Contreras.
The Cardinals said goodbye to stars Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright at the end of the 2022 season, so it’s no surprise they’re aiming to sign big to make up for some of those losses this offseason. Molina’s departure, in particular, left a massive hole in the catcher spot as there was only one backup player, and they’ve been tied to Willson Contreras in an attempt to fill it.
They’re reportedly nearing a deal with Contreras, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The news has garnered mixed reactions from Chicago Cubs fans as Contreras was a beloved part of the franchise for the past seven seasons and was a core member of the 2016 team that won a World Series.
Some are seeing the departure in a positive light, while others aren’t taking the news quite as easily.
Cubs fans react to Willson Contreras closing in with the Cardinals
One fan has Contreras’ best interest in mind and has shared their excitement about him joining a great organization.
Nope. I'm really happy for him. He goes to a great organization and fan base.
— Luigi: Mario is a fraud (@shaneluigi13) December 7, 2022
The Cards are truly a great team as they’ve frequented the playoffs throughout the 2000s. They certainly aren’t top contenders, but they have a lot of potential and were a great enough place for Pujols to return to to end his legendary career.
Another isn’t so happy about the move, but is just glad Contreras isn’t going to Milwaukee.
Willson Contreras, St. Louis Cardinal
— Marcus Newling (@MarcusNewling) December 7, 2022
At least it isn’t the Brewers
One is particularly (and understandably) upset about him joining a rival team. It’s certainly a tough pill to swallow as he brought so much success to the Cubs, and now he’ll be working to stop them from reaching said success again.
I no longer respect Willson Contreras….leaves the #Cubs to join the bitter rivals……
— AJB 🇨🇦🇺🇸🇮🇳 (@Arjun_AJB15) December 7, 2022
Really Willson, really?!? SMDH
Another had quite a humorous reaction to the sad news.
Well I hope Willson Contreras enjoyed his little goodbye to the fans and Wrigley cause he’s dead to me! You hear me! Dead! pic.twitter.com/fgObfGJPdc
— Dustin Halupa (@Haloopa) December 7, 2022
A clear team player who made lasting impacts on fans, he’ll certainly be missed in Chicago.
https://twitter.com/ManuclearBomb/status/1600529370178883585
It’s not surprising that Contreras is leaving the Cubs, but it’s still tough to say goodbye to the veteran catcher who had an important part in Chicago’s franchise.