Contreras bounced around a bit when he first came up with the Cubs, even logging innings at third base and the corner outfield spots, but spent most of his time behind the plate. He was Chicago’s leading catcher from 2017 to 2021. Conteras split his time fairly evenly between catcher and DH in 2022. He transferred to St. Louis in 2023 and continued to play both catcher and DH somewhat evenly. The Cardinals changed course this past season and placed Contreras as their first baseman. He also made occasional starts at DH.
Heading into 2025, Contreras had just 11 appearances at first base. He made 119 starts at this position last season. Contreras delivered fine to solid defensive results, depending on the metric. Outs Above Average scored favorably on Contreras, with a grade of +4. Defensive Runs Saved weren’t that good at -1. Given Contreras’ significant contributions as a hitter, Boston will likely do well with near-average defensive numbers. The 33-year-old has achieved a wRC+ of at least 124 in four straight seasons.
Boston has Carlos Narvaez And Connor Wong drawn in pencil as the second replacement. Narvaez had just six games of big league experience when he was moved from the Yankees to the Red Sox last season. He emerged as a reliable offensive contributor, hitting 15 home runs and hitting .241/.306/.419 in 118 appearances. Wong dropped off significantly after a strong 2024. He failed to step up to the plate after missing most of April with a broken finger. Wong has shown plenty in the past that he can be relied on as a backup heading into next season, and it appears he will retain that role if Boston isn’t interested in playing Contreras at the position.
The addition Contreras starts immediately Triston Casas‘ role questioned. For his part, Breslow expressed optimism about Casas’ prospects. “We still have a lot of confidence and belief in Triston. What he needs to do is commit to doing everything possible to get back on the field. He does that now‘Breslow said: relayed by Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Casas is currently recovering from a torn patellar tendon that cost him most of 2025. His status for the start of next season is uncertain.
Casas has been brought up a lot in trade rumors this offseason, even before Boston acquired Contreras. The fact that the team added a player at his position could increase the chances of him making a move. The main barrier to a potential deal is Casas’ recent performance in both manufacturing and health. He hit just .182 in 29 games before suffering a knee injury. Casas was better in 2024, but also spent three months on the injured list with a sprained rib.
It’s not just Contreras pushing Casas either. Boston still has a DH option in place Masataka Yoshidawho has been squeezed out of the outfield mix by Jarren Duran, Roman AnthonyAnd Ceddanne Rafaela. Wilier Abreu also performed well last year, especially against right-handed pitchers. Breslow didn’t sound too concerned about the potential roster glut. “Those things tend to work. (It’s an) opportunity to keep everyone fresh, to keep everyone engaged and engaged at the same time.”
Moving Rafaela to the infield could help alleviate some roadblocks for Casas and the young outfielders, but that is not the club’s intention at this time. “We are a better team with Ceddanne in midfield, and we will try to keep him there,” said Breslow per Ari Alexander of 7News Boston WHDH. Rafaela earned a Gold Glove in midfield last season.
After splitting his time between short stop and center field in 2024, Rafaela spent most of his time on the grass last season. He made 19 starts at second base, but the rest of his appearances came in the outfield. Rafaela was one of the most influential defenders in any position in 2025. He finished in second place Alejandro Kirk in Statcast’s Fielding Run Value metric. Patrick Bailey was the only player who was more productive as a defender.
Second base is currently an area of need for the Red Sox. If the season started today, Boston would likely be fielding an uninspiring squad Romy González And Nick Sogard on the position. Kristian Campbell could play a role in that mix, although he will have to show more in the minors to earn another shot in the big leagues.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Curry, Imagn Images
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