Willson Contreras takes multiple shots at Cubs during Cardinals spring training

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras doesn’t understand why the Chicago Cubs were frustrated about his preparation as catcher in the windy city.

The longstanding Cardinals-Cubs rivalry took another step in the right direction as Willson Contreras switched sides, signing in St. Louis to help replace Yadier Molina.

Contreras defensive ability behind the plate has been brought into question at times, with some pundits expecting a position switch later in his career. Considering Contreras is now 30 years old, that future isn’t so distant after all.

The Cardinals signed Contreras to a rather large contract understanding all these repercussions and potential pitfalls. His bat is worth having in the lineup.

The 30-year-old catcher thinks Chicago will regret letting him go.

Cubs were frustrated with new Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras

His bat wasn’t enough to keep Contreras in Chicago. Despite some lengthy contract talks, the Cubs reportedly tried to trade the former All-Star at the deadline, and willingly let him walk to a rival in free agency. There were some doubts as to Contreras day-to-day preparation, per Ken Rosenthal.

"“Still, Contreras’ approach occasionally frustrated Cubs manager David Ross, a former catcher, and the team’s coaching staff, according to sources with knowledge of the situation who were granted anonymity to speak candidly. Contreras prepared. He worked hard. But he did not always prepare and work in the way the coaches wanted.”"

Contreras’ work ethic doesn’t seem to be a problem, as St. Louis manager Oli Marmol has expressed nothing but gratitude for his energy and consistency so far this offseason. The past does bother the longtime Cubs catcher, though.

“Listening to those things, it’s really tough,” Contreras said, again per The Athletic. “I was there for six years. I prepared myself the same way every day. … I think I did everything right. That’s what I told (the Cubs) the day I walked out of there, that I was going to walk out with my head up high because I know during the six years I was there, I did my best to make everyone better.”

Contreras was a model teammate and even won a World Series in Chicago, something that at the time hadn’t been accomplished in 108 years. The breakup was brutal, but it was worth it.