MLB Rumors: Willson Contreras return to Wrigley, Mets move, Dodgers-Padres

MLB Rumors: Willson Contreras returns to Wrigley Field

Willson Contreras made some damning comments about the Chicago Cubs upon his departure, especially after they took some shots at his work ethic in an article by The Athletic. Contreras was disappointed in said commentary, and even went as far as to say it’s refreshing to be part of a winning organization for a change.

Since then, Contreras and St. Louis are off to one of the worst starts in recent franchise history. They head to Chicago for Contreras return to Wrigley Field with a record of 11-24, which is good for last place in the NL Central. They are nine games behind the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have lost seven games in a row, after narrowly escaping with a win over the Tigers on Sunday.

Contreras was in the news often this weekend, as St. Louis hinted at potentially changing his position from behind the plate to in the outfield. That was not received well by Contreras or the fanbase, of course, given the Cards signed the former All-Star catcher to a five-year, $87.5 million contract this offseason.

Willson’s bat is his strength, which is why he should continue to be featured in the lineup as a designated hitter. However, St. Louis has high expectations of him behind the plate given he is replacing a team legend in Yadier Molina. In many ways, Contreras has been made the scapegoat of the Cardinals putrid start. Is that really the Cardinal Way?

When Cubs manager David Ross was asked about this debacle, he pointed to Molina, and the expectations the Cards have for such a demanding position.

“You’re not going to replace that person,” Ross said, per the Chicago Sun-Times. “You’re going to have to find your own way. There are some guys who have been there a really long time working with Yadi. Going about things differently sometimes doesn’t go smoothly. … Change takes an adjustment period.”

Change does take time, and for now at least, St. Louis is taking their frustrations out on a player who is not — and will never be — Yadier Molina. The sooner Oli Marmol and Co. figure that out, the better.