GOODYEAR, Ariz. – There’s a short list when it comes to the best catchers in baseball and every year since arriving in 2016, Willson Contreras has inched near the top of that list.
The conversation for MLB’s best backstop usually starts and ends with Phillies catcher JT Realmuto, but with the offensive production and defensive improvements, Contreras is considered by many to be No. 2.
But what lies ahead for Contreras in 2021 is not only an opportunity to bounce back after a difficult 2020 season, but a chance to continue his accent toward being the best catcher in the game.
“I think I have the right preparation,” Contreras said. “That doesn’t mean that I’m gonna have success on the field because I prepare myself really well. But I think I have the right mindset. I think my confidence is at a nice level. I just trust myself. I think whenever you believe in yourself, no matter what preparation you have, you’re gonna have a good chance of good results.”
Contreras’ growth since coming into the league six years ago wasn’t a gradual change like other young players, but rather abrupt. Talent has never been Contreras’ problem as a professional, but early in his career, finding a way to control his emotions was a work in progress.
Finding that balance is a challenge for a young player and Contreras was no different. And as a catcher, being in control of emotions is crucial for him, but the pitchers on the staff who rely on him to be a calming influence, especially when things go awry.
“This is going to be my fifth year,” he said. “I feel like I’ve grown and I have a lot of respect. I’m just trying to be the guy that tries to lead the team, tries to guide the team on the right path.”
David Ross knows Contreras as well as anybody as a former catcher and teammate. Now as his manager, Ross has had conversations with his two-time All-Star about being able to dial it back for his health and self-preservation.
“We’ve talked about effort and things that are non-negotiable for me,” Ross said. “But there’s also times where we can de-throttle a little bit in some areas to protect ourselves long term. I’ve talked to him multiple times about that and taking care of his body and conserving energy when possible.
While the change has happened for the high-energy Contreras, it wasn’t one that was easy.
“At first, yes. [It was tough],” Contreras said. “I’m a really intense guy and I like to play 100%. That doesn’t mean when I slow down, that doesn’t mean that I’m not playing 100%. It’s just a matter of being smarter. Moving smarter. Which play do I need to hustle, which plays can jog. When do I need to block, when can I use my secondary positioning.”
That self-preservation plays a big role when it comes to making sure Contreras is productive on both sides of the ball. The 28-year-old backstop is an important part of what the Cubs believe will be a deep lineup in 2021.
Contreras is 8-for-23 with two homers, four RBIs, and four walks in nine games this spring and appears ready to continue his trajectory of being one of the game’s best.
“I believe him and JT are the two best catchers in baseball,” right-hander Jake Arrieta said. “And that’s extremely high praise, and it’s well deserved. He’s taken many strides and I just love watching him go about his business.
“Not being in the clubhouse with him for three years, the three years went by so fast, it seems like it to me It happened overnight. … This morning after playing a night game coming in and working out as hard as he did. Those are not easy things to do, especially as a starting catcher when the workload is so heavy. But yeah, I think the main thing I’ve noticed is how focused he is and how determined and dedicated he is to this baseball team.”
