The St. Louis Cardinals appear to have quietly resolved their situation following Paul Goldschmidt’s departure. While Goldschmidt has been thriving with the New York Yankees this season—batting .339 with a .881 OPS and 1.4 WAR—the Cardinals have effectively replaced him by shifting Willson Contreras to first base, a move that has exceeded many expectations.
Though Contreras was known primarily for his work behind the plate, he has adapted impressively to his new role. His teammate, pitcher Miles Mikolas, praised Contreras’ defensive play, calling him one of the best first basemen he’s ever seen. Mikolas highlighted Contreras’ range, arm strength, and consistency at the position, noting that while others may be surprised, Contreras clearly had confidence in his abilities all along.
While Contreras’ offensive numbers have dipped slightly—his OPS is down to .728 from .848 last year—his defensive contributions have been a major factor in the Cardinals’ strong start. Despite losing Goldschmidt, a four-time Gold Glove winner, the team has become one of the top defensive squads in Major League Baseball.
Manager Oliver Marmol emphasized the team’s commitment to defense as a controllable element in an unpredictable season. He credited the players for their focus and effort, noting that their defensive sharpness has been instrumental in the team’s early success.
Though it’s unclear how long the Cardinals can maintain their current momentum, their defensive performance has been a pleasant surprise. After a few disappointing seasons, fans are appreciating the team’s renewed energy and commitment on the field.
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