The St. Louis Cardinals were relatively quiet this winter, but the move they did make was very impactful.
The team added veteran catcher Willson Contreras on a five-year, $87.5 million deal to replace the retired Yadier Molina and also make up for the production lost by the retirement of Albert Pujols.
Now, a new era behind the dish is set to begin.
So far, Contreras seems to enjoy being a part of the Cardinals organization, even going as far as to say it “feels like home.”
He has yet to put on a Cardinals uniform, but has worn a Molina jersey that was gifted to him by the future Hall-of-Famer himself.
Contreras discussed what it means to him to be a Cardinal.
“It feels like home.”
Willson Contreras hasn’t donned the Birds on the Bat yet at Busch. But he has worn that classic white jersey… only it wasn’t his.
It was a gift from Yadier Molina. And it fit just right.
Here’s the new #STLCards‘ catcher on why he’s here. pic.twitter.com/je30z9mRdi
— Corey Miller (@corey_miller5) February 15, 2023
The 30-year-old catcher talked about a time when he put on his Molina jersey and how it felt special to him.
He also discussed his decision to sign in St. Louis, commenting that he feels like he made the correct decision.
But the Cardinals had been trying to recruit Contreras for quite some time, knowing Molina was in the twilight of his career.
He said that players actively trying to recruit him gave him a little something to think about as he headed into free agency for the first time in his career.
Finally, Contreras commented on why he believes Cardinals fans will love him, saying that he always plays with his heart.
He also recalled his World Series championship experience with the Chicago Cubs and expressed his desire to win one in St. Louis as well.
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