Cardinals Insider Reveals How Team Approached Their Big Signing

The St. Louis Cardinals made a big splash in free agency on Wednesday, much to the delight of their loyal fans.

The team signed former division rival and Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras to a five-year, $87.5 million contract.

President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak made clear after the season was over that his top priority this offseason was to acquire a catcher to replace Yadier Molina.

On Wednesday, he managed to do just that.

But the Cardinals weren’t just searching for one catcher in particular.

The team had several options that they were exploring and weren’t set on just one.

The Cardinals didn’t come into the winter meetings with a Plan A, B, C. They checked in and were actively pursuing all options. https://t.co/LApgeb5Wr7

— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) December 8, 2022

How The Cards Landed Contreras

And so, that is how the Cardinals came away with Contreras.

The team had inquired about Oakland Athletics star catcher and former Gold Glover Sean Murphy.

They had also met with Christian Vazquez, who shares the same agent as Molina.

Danny Jansen and Alejandro Kirk of the Toronto Blue Jays were options as well.

Ultimately, the Cardinals settled on the best catcher on the free agent market and have made their first major splash in free agency since the signing of Matt Holliday prior to the start of the 2010 season.

Contreras hit .243 during the regular season, but still managed to hit 22 home runs and should slot into the middle of the Cardinals lineup quite nicely behind MVP Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado.

With Albert Pujols also retired, the Cardinals will likely need another bat to replace his presence.

Jose Quintana, a former Cubs teammate of Contreras, signed with the New York Mets, so a starting pitcher could be in their future as well.