Grading the 4 biggest Cardinals offseason moves so far

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Willson Contreras (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images) /

Contreras signed to replace Cardinals legend behind the plate

Mozeliak’s top goal for the offseason was finding a top-tier replacement for legendary catcher Yadier Molina. After not finding much success in the trade market, Mozeliak shifted to finding the top available catcher on the free-agent market. That was Willson Contreras.

After visiting with Mozeliak and Marmol at his home in Orlando, Contreras and the Cardinals agreed to a five-year deal worth $87.5 million.

Contreras may not be the defensive juggernaut that Molina was for nearly two decades with the Cardinals. But Contreras will be a massive upgrade of offensive production from the position. In 2022 with the Cubs, Contreras hit .243/.349/.466 with an OPS of .815, 22 home runs, 65 runs scored, and 55 RBIs.

Contreras will provide a big bat behind Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado.

Contreras knows he is taking over a massive role in the Cardinals organization. In taking over for Molina, he will do so in his way.

Signing Contreras: A

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