Cardinals Sign Contreras to Five-Year, $87.5 Million Deal

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St. Louis, MO (December 9, 2022)

In a momentous move, the St. Louis Cardinals have acquired free-agent catcher Willson Contreras on a five-year, $87.5 million contract.

This is the first major signing by the Cardinals since 2004, when they brought in Albert Pujols. Contreras, a three-time All-Star and Silver Slugger, is expected to bolster St. Louis's lineup and provide much-needed leadership behind the plate.

The Cardinals have been in dire need of a reliable catcher, and Contreras fits the bill perfectly. He is a strong defensive presence with a .990 fielding percentage over his career. At the plate, Contreras is a dangerous hitter with a .275 batting average and 113 home runs.

The Cardinals are hopeful that Contreras can help them return to the World Series after a disappointing 2022 season. The team is also optimistic that Contreras's leadership and experience will be invaluable to their young pitchers.

Contreras is expected to join the Cardinals for Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida in February.