MLB Rumors: 2 Main Suitors For Willson Contreras

He's been a 3-time All-Star and a World Series champion catcher. But the market doesn't seem to be over-the-top robust for free agent Willson Contreras. And his days as a full-time catcher could be numbered.

According to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, there are two teams in serious pursuit: The Houston Astros and the St. Louis Cardinals. Both great landing spots for Contreras, no doubt, but it's unlikely that either team would ask him to catch on a regular basis. Defense behind the plate is not his forte.

He only caught 72 games last season, while DHing the other 39 times he was in the lineup. The Astros have a strong defensive catcher that they like in Martin Maldonado, and as Heyman notes, they are still considering whether to go for Contreras or stick with defense at the position. It certainly didn't hold them back last year.

The Cardinals, as well, are a team that preaches defense. They have Gold Glove candidates scattered around the diamond, and of course 19 years of Yadier Molina—a 9-time Gold Glover—had them spoiled at the position. They are said to be intensifying talks in recent days with Contreras, however.

Source: Willson Contreras met last night with the #Cardinals in Florida, it was a very productive meeting , Coming up a Meeting with the #Astros ✍🏽 #WillsonContreras pic.twitter.com/3OZummFS1u
— Mike Rodriguez (@mikedeportes) December 1, 2022