With Paul Goldschmidt entering free agency, the Cardinals were bound to see someone new fill Goldy’s shoes as the starting first baseman in 2025.
Given the Cardinals’ self-imposed salary limits this offseason, signing a new high-dollar free agent first baseman was out of the question. According to reports from Wednesday’s GM meetings, the Cardinals have already decided on Goldschmidt’s replacement.
The new first baseman is not new at all. In reality, it’s the old catcher.
Willson Contreras will be moved from catcher to first base and designated hitter next season, according to Cardinals manager John Mozeliak.
Contreras’ contract with the Cardinals, signed prior to the 2023 season, still includes three guaranteed years.
While other potential first base candidates include Alec Burleson and Luken Baker, the Cardinals favor Willson Contreras’ bat in the order.
The potential benefit to his health, longevity, and performance from the position change is an appealing component of the move for St. Louis. It also appears to put an end to rumors that the Cardinals may consider a Contreras trade as part of their off-season retooling as St. Louis seeks to reduce payroll.
Mozeliak told reporters that it was evident Contreras wanted to stay in St. Louis.
Furthermore, the Cardinals won’t have to make difficult roster decisions between two catchers they genuinely like. Mozeliak announced that Pedro Pagés and Iván Herrera will share catching duties for the Cardinals in 2025.
