Cardinals ‘closing in’ on perfect Yadier Molina replacement

The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly replacing Yadier Molina with former Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras. 

Oli Marmol and some members of the Cardinals front office met with Willson Contreras in his Florida home a few weeks ago, the first suggestion that he would join his former rivals in St. Louis.

Contreras, a longtime Cub, will not be greeted fondly at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field the next time the Cards take a trip to the north side of Chicago, and for good reason.

Legitimate, All-Star level talents rarely switch sides in a rivalry the magnitude of Cardinals-Cubs, and when they do, they are often met with boos in what should be a trip down memory lane.

However, an opportunity to replace a legend in Yadier Molina doesn’t come around often.

Willson Contreras contract: Cardinals find Yadier Molina replacement

St. Louis was focused on finding an elite catcher, as it’s something they’ve grown accustomed to for much of the past decade. Molina is a first-ballot Hall of Famer for a reason.

In an appearance on MLB Network Tuesday night, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak made it clear that signing an All-Star level catcher was their top priority. Just minutes after the Mets signed Jose Quintana, formerly of the Cards, St. Louis got back in their fans’ good graces by pulling off a contract with Contreras.

Is Willson Contreras a good replacement for Yadier Molina?

Willson Contreras is among the best hitting catchers in all of baseball. That’s what makes him an All-Star level talent year-in and year-out. However, in terms of managing pitching staffs, pitching framing and throwing out baserunners, he does not compare to the likes of Yadi, who retired as catching royalty.

Contreras even spent some time at DH and experimented with first base in Chicago, and that’s where most of his long-term projections lie. It takes a rare breed to catch into your late 30’s, which Molina was able to do at an elite level.