Future Watch: Willson Contreras, Rookie Baseball Cards, Cubs – Sometimes top MLB prospects exceed even their own early expectations. Willson Contreras entered into this season as the 67th ranked prospect by Baseball America. The Chicago Cubs signed him as a free agent in 2009 at the age of 17. This versatile player can catch and play third base. For the past six seasons he’s been working his way up the ladder in hopes of landing that big league job.
The Venezuelan made the Cubs this June following a 9 homer, 43 RBI stint in the Pacific Coast League. He hit .353 in AAA Iowa so there were some expectations. He may have created a few more by homering in his first major league at-bat off the first pitch he saw. Only 30 other players in the history of the game have done that.
The Cubs are relying on him to be a mainstay behind the plate and so far he has hit 5 homers with 19 RBI in his first 42 games. Two things that will keep him with the Chicago Cubs are his ability to hit for a decent batting average and his on-base percentage which is currently .351.
As far as his defensive game so far he’s done well with passed balls and has thrown out 46% of runners trying to steal, that’s not too shabby for a 24-year-old rookie.
Willson Contreras’ hot card right now, is his 2016 Bowman Baseball, Chrome Prospect Autograph card, #CPA-WC. His first certified autograph card can be found in 2015 Panini Elite Extra Edition Baseball. He also has cards in 2016 Topps Pro Debut and a beautiful Patch/Autograph card in 2016 Bowman Inception Baseball.
According to his MLB.com draft profile:
Contreras’ arm strength and athleticism prompted his move from third base to catcher. He’s quicker than most backstops and can shut down the running game. He still needs work on his receiving but has made strides in that regard.
At this rate he should play in the postseason. Looks like he arrived just in time for this year’s Cubs team.
Future Watch: Willson Contreras, Rookie Baseball Cards, Cubs – Image Gallery
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