Back to Face A Cardinals Team He Never Wanted to Leave, Willson Contreras Lets His Emotions Flow

· Yahoo Sports

Throughout his career, Willson Contreas has widely been known throughout baseball a player you love when he’s on your team and hate when you play against him – a description that the fiery first baseman always coveted because it spoke to his competitive nature.

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However, this weekend Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol is willing to make an exception with Contreras and the Red Sox at Busch Stadium and across the way in the visitor’s dugout.

“After having someone like him around here it’s different because you understand how much he puts into it and how much he cares,” Marmol said for the love he still has Contreras. “Now, I didn’t like seeing him across the way in Chicago (while playing for the Cubs). But it’s very different seeing him here now.

“I care for that dude. You get to know what he’s about, know him and know his family. Then, you learn why he’s as fiery as he is.”

Despite being as fiery as ever in his first season with the Red Sox, Contreras said he has nothing but love for his former teammates and coaches with the Cardinals. Before Friday’s series opener, Contreras greeted one St. Louis player after another with bug hugs and laughs. He admitted that stepping into the batter’s box for the first time at Busch Stadium – where he will likely be cheered by a fanbase that wanted no part in seeing him leave – could be very emotional for him.

“I think I did my best her for the team and for the fans and, like somebody said, I played my ass off,” said Contreras, who doffed his helmet upon receiving a standing ovation from the fans at Busch Stadium. “Every day that I came here I gave 100 percent for them.”

Contreras was traded to the Red Sox over the winter as part of the Cardinals’ massive shift toward a full-on rebuilding project. The Cardinals first dealt Sonny Gray and $20 million to offset the veteran right-handed pitcher’s contract to the Red Sox for three pitching prospects (Richard Fitts, Brandon Clarke and Patrick Galle) on Nov. 25. Then, on Dec. 22, the Cards shipped Contreras and $8 million to the Red Sox for three more pitching prospects (Hunter Dobbins, Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita).

Contreras, who signed an $82.5 million free-agent deal with the Cardinals in December of 2022 to replace legendary catcher Yadier Molina, initially wanted nothing to do with going elsewhere. Eventually, he warmed up to the idea and was willing to waive the no-trade clause in his contract.

“When I got a call from (Cards president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom) and told me that it was Boston, I was like, ‘OK, cool,’ but I took my time to look at the (Red Sox) roster and I liked it. And I liked what (the Cardinals) got in return. I think it worked out the best for both sides and it’s showing.”

Red Sox surprised by Contreras' defense

Contreras came into Friday night hitting .250 with an .859 OPS after hitting two homers and walking 11 times. He has thrived despite Boston’s early-season struggles.

“He’s a great first baseman, to be honest,” Boston manager Joey Cora said when asked what he’s learned about Contreras since managing him. “He’s not afraid to make throws and he starts that 3-6-1 and 3-6-3 double play and I haven’t seen someone as aggressive as him. He plays under the baseball and he’s always in tune with the game. We know the offensive profile, but at first he’s been really good.”

Contreras, who won a World Series with the Cubs in 2016, was booed upon his first return to Wrigley Field and he brought some of the jeers onto himself by gesturing to the fans often during the 2023 season. The emotions of returning to Busch Stadium, however, are vastly different, he said.

“That was way different than right now and a lot different,” said Contreras, who noted it wasn’t too weird heading to the visting clubhouse because he had spent time where when playing for the Cubs. “I always tried to help my team win and I always loved playing here (in St. Louis) – even though the ballpark could be a little rough for hitters. But, like I said, I always did my best here for the team and the fans.”    

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