World Series Champion Proving To Be Strong Leader For Brewers

Contreras, the younger brother of current St. Louis Cardinals All-Star catcher and World Series champion Willson Contreras, maintains a humble but driven approach. “I try to come in and not be overconfident in myself,” said the Spanish-speaking Contreras via an interpreter in a spring training with David Adler of MLB.com. He added, “I know I am one of the best catchers, but it’s always on my mind that I haven’t achieved anything this season. I haven’t done anything. And I come to work hard every day.”

Fifth-Year Major League Veteran Striving For Excellence

Contreras played in a career-high 141 games in 2023, tying for fourth among catchers with 108 appearances behind the plate. In the process, he established himself as a viable multi-talented offensive and defensive threat for the defending NL Central Division champions. Despite last season’s post-season accolades, Contreras is quick to point out that it’s all about improvement each time stepping on the field. Said Contreras, “I am a player who wants to enjoy the game, enjoy every moment playing ball and the results will come on their own.” He then added, “I have my own goals. I would like to be in the All-Star Game, and win the division again with the team. I’m going to compete for the Silver Slugger, which I want to win again after last year, and the Gold Glove.”

Last season, he boasted a .289 batting average with 156 hits, 86 runs scored, 17 home runs, and 78 RBI while at the same time gaining a reputation defensively as one of the league’s top pitch framers and receivers.

The Brewers are currently 17-11 overall but remain half a game out of first within the highly contested division race. Contreras, a 2022 All-Star selection, has been a steady influence on a young, aggressive, hard-hitting club that is fifth in all of baseball with a .255 team batting average. With 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich still recovering from back problems and the team enduring a three-game losing streak, his ongoing leadership will be invaluable moving forward.