William Contreras 2023 Player Outlook: More Playing Time And Power To Come After Trade To Milwaukee
2 years agoMilwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras showed he belongs in the big leagues during the 2022 season in Atlanta. He slashed .278/.354/.506 with 20 homers, 51 runs, 45 RBI, and a pair of stolen bases across 97 games. Contreras isn't going to produce that high of a batting average again, considering his 27.7% strikeout rate, .344 BABIP, and .243 xBA from this season. But the 25-year-old won't be a dud in that category, as he hits the ball hard (career 91 MPH average exit velocity) and hits it on the ground (career 51.1% ground ball rate). Contreras improved his plate discipline from the 2021 season, posting a 54th-percentile 28.8% chase rate and a 34.3% whiff rate after a 31.9% and 36.4% mark, respectively. His power is undeniable, as he's posted a 12.6% barrel rate with 28 home runs over his 153 career games. That kind of power can overcome Contreras' ground ball tendencies, especially if he starts pulling fly balls more often, and a move to the power-friendly park of American Family Field only makes things better. The one-time All-Star should get more playing time after a trade to the Brewers, who were without a true number-one catcher prior to the deal, and will likely utilize him as a designated hitter, as well. Contreras will be in the heart of the lineup, giving him plenty of opportunities to reach 80 runs and RBI. He's one of the best offensive catchers in baseball who will get as many at-bats as almost any other backstop. Contreras offers good value for his ADP of 129 and is a better pick than MJ Melendez (100 ADP) and Tyler Stephenson (131 ADP), who sandwich him in drafts.