Cardinals Draft First Baseman Likely to Replace Willson Contreras
The St. Louis Cardinals are entering a transitional phase. When the 2025 season wraps up, John Mozeliak will hand over control of the team to Chaim Bloom. This move signals a shift in focus from short-term contention to long-term planning. Their strategy in the 2025 MLB Draft reflects this change, especially in relation to first baseman Willson Contreras.
Chaim Bloom has a reputation for identifying young talent and rebuilding rosters, as shown during his time with the Red Sox. He balanced Dave Dombrowski’s aggressive win-now style with a steady approach to developing prospects — the Cardinals hope for the same balance as Bloom takes over.
One clear example is their third-round draft pick: Jack Gurevitch, a 21-year-old first baseman from the University of San Diego. St. Louis chose Gurevitch with the 89th overall pick. Ranked 144th among top draft prospects, he’s known as a strong hitter and a respected leader, traits that suggest he could become a key piece of the Cardinals’ future.
At six feet tall and 215 pounds, the left-handed Gurevitch is praised for his smooth swing and his ability to hit the ball hard. Scouts also highlight his toughness and leadership, believing those qualities will help him maximize his potential.
These moves make it clear that the team is already planning for life after Contreras.
A Look at Contreras’ Situation
Contreras is still producing at the plate, hitting .253 with an on-base percentage of .339 and a slugging percentage of .426, along with 12 home runs in 336 at-bats. His switch from catcher to first base has worked well — he’s among the best defensively at his new position.
However, moving him away from catching was widely seen as the beginning of his eventual exit. First base doesn’t carry as much defensive value, and the move mostly filled the gap left by Paul Goldschmidt’s departure.
Contreras is under contract through 2027, with a club option for 2028. While he’s not expected to leave immediately, at age 33, the possibility of a decline is real. St. Louis has had difficulty moving expensive veterans in the past, but Contreras could still draw trade interest — especially if he’s willing to catch again, a position where he remains above average with years of experience.
Ideally, the Cardinals could transition smoothly from Contreras to Gurevitch within a few years as Bloom’s focus on younger players takes shape. Contreras has been a reliable veteran, but the team appears ready to build around new faces while giving him the chance to continue his career elsewhere if it makes sense for both sides.
About the Author
