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Willson Contreras
Willson Contreras
Contreras looks well-suited to step into the everyday catcher role for the Cubs in 2017, after an impressive 2016 season. In 73 games, the 24-year old Contreras slashed .283/.357/.488 with 12 home runs and 35 RBI, while also walking 9.2% of the time. For a part-time player, Contreras made the most of his limited playing time by either making a key defensive play behind the plate or come up with a clutch hit.
With David Ross enjoying retirement and Miguel Montero’s less-than-graceful aging process, Contreras is a no-brainer at the catcher spot, but that honestly might be a slight to the young catcher. Contreras, a former infielder turned catcher, looks to have the makeup as an elite backstop, and I think 2017 might just prove that.
The Cubs have not had a catcher with this type of potential since Geovany Soto, with his combination of power at the plate and excellent framing and arm strength behind it, the Cubs look to have found a gem. The only thing that remains a question for Contreras is whether or not he can handle the responsibilities that are required to catch an entire pitching staff. The second-year player already has a solid report with John Lackey and Kyle Hendricks, but who knows how Jon Lester will respond without his catcher Ross this season. Arrieta is also usually caught by Montero, which could ruffle some feathers as well. But if anyone doubts Contreras has developed into an everyday catcher, read this Fangraphs article by August Fagerstrom and promptly shut up.
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Contreras will have to show he has the mental maturity and poise to be an everyday catcher, but if he can iron out the intangibles, Contreras as the skill to be one of the league’s most complete backstops in baseball.
