Willson Contreras Stats & Scouting Report

AB	301
AVG	.262
OBP	.38
SLG	.468
HR	15

Full name Willson Eduardo Contreras
Born 05/13/1992 in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela
Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Debut 06/17/2016

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Contreras' original 2009 contract was voided; as a result, he has been eligible for the Rule 5 draft every year since 2010, but the Cubs never lost him despite his athleticism and loud tools. Introduced to catching in 2012, he broke through at Double-A Tennessee in 2015, leading the Southern League in batting (.333) and ranking second in on-base percentage (.413). Significantly improved focus and sticking to an offensive approach helped Contreras translate his plus tools into performance in 2015, for the first time. He stopped giving away at-bats by chasing pitchers' pitches and gained confidence. He always has had natural hand-eye coordination and has grown into more strength, giving him gap power and above-average hitting ability. Formerly a plus runner, he has lost a step catching but still runs well enough to move to the outfield. Contreras toned down a hyper approach defensively, where his above-average arm used to get him in trouble, but he can still be mistakeprone, with inconsistent receiving and blocking skills that need more development. His English-language skills have improved significantly the last two years. Because catcher Miguel Montero is signed through 2017, Contreras has a chance to add polish to his defense at Triple-A Iowa in 2016. He's athletic enough to crack Chicago's big league roster as a multi-positional reserve, perhaps as soon as 2016.

Minor League Top Prospects

A year after claiming the Double-A Southern League batting title, Contreras starred for Iowa and made his major league debut on June 19. He signed as a third baseman before converting to catcher in 2012. "Willson can play anywhere you want him to: first base, third base or any of the outfield positions,"" Iowa manager Marty Pevy said. "He can run. He is super athletic, with a strong arm. He's the most athletic catcher in baseball today." Contreras has demonstrated an ability to hit for average and power, and he should be above-average on both counts. He has an above-average arm behind the plate and has improved his blocking and receiving. He runs well for a catcher and has played left field and first base as well as catcher with Chicago. He is the organization's catcher of the future.
Signed by the Cubs as a 17-year-old third baseman in 2009, Contreras spent his first three seasons as an unremarkable infielder before converting to catcher in 2012 . . . whereupon he spent three seasons as an unremarkable backstop. That changed in 2015 when Contreras hit .333 and won an unlikely batting title in the SL by going 12-for-27 (.444) in the final week to pass Max Kepler. Even in a breakthrough season, Contreras began the year in a time-share with Kyle Schwarber and didn't assume the starting job full-time until late June. He has a chance to be an offensive catcher in the big leagues, owing to his disciplined approach and short, compact stroke that produces lots of contact and power to the gaps. He ranked second in the SL with 34 doubles and with a .413 on-base percentage, while placing third with 151 hits. A high-energy receiver who exudes confidence, Contreras combines strong receiving ability, good hands and average arm strength that can be improved by shortening his arm path and quickening his release. He also made eight starts at third base in 2015 and has spotted at first base in the recent past.

Top 100 Rankings

Career Transactions

St. Louis Cardinals activated C Willson Contreras from the 10-day injured list.
St. Louis Cardinals activated C Willson Contreras from the 10-day injured list.
St. Louis Cardinals sent C Willson Contreras on a rehab assignment to Memphis Redbirds.
St. Louis Cardinals sent C Willson Contreras on a rehab assignment to Memphis Redbirds.
St. Louis Cardinals placed C Willson Contreras on the 10-day injured list. Left arm fracture.