FORT MYERS — Willson Contreras feels right at home with his new teammates.
The Red Sox infielder came to Boston via trade with the St. Louis Cardinals in December, and while sometimes it might take a new player time to get acclimated with a new clubhouse and new teammates, that wasn’t the case for Contreras.
“I think what caught my attention was the chemistry that we already have in here,” Contreras said. “Even me, they made me feel like I’ve been here for years.”
What exactly have the Red Sox done to make Contreras feel so welcome?
“Treat me like brother,” he said. “Treat me like they already know me. I’m trying to be the same way.”
Boston traded for Contreras to provide some stability at first base after the team did not commit to Triston Casas for 2026. The veteran will also provide some right-handed power to the lineup.
Contreras was a catcher for his entire career until 2025 when he moved to first base with St. Louis. He hit .257 with 20 home runs, 31 doubles, 80 RBs and a .791 OPS in 135 games.
It’s likely Contreras will play a majority of the 2026 season at first base with some DH mixed in. Casas has been rehabbing from a torn patellar tendon that he suffered last May and it’s unclear if he’ll be ready for Opening Day. In October, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said it didn’t make sense to say whether Casas would be the Red Sox first baseman in 2026.
Eleven weeks later, Contreras was acquired.
Whether it’s first, DH or even catching, Contreras said he’ll play wherever he’s needed.
“I’m a team player,” he said. “I’m not going to say, ‘I’m not catching anymore.’ If the team needs me and there’s an emergency situation where somebody needs me to catch, I’ll be there.”