The Cardinals have made progress in their rebuild under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, and Alec Burleson has handled the move to first base after St. Louis sent Willson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox last offseason. But Contreras’ latest flare-up in Boston was a reminder of something the Cardinals no longer have.
After striking out against Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli, Contreras erupted in a dust-up that put him right at the center of the action. That moment showed exactly the kind of edge St. Louis is missing, even with a young roster that already plays with plenty of competitive fire.
Contreras has never been the quiet type. His passion can boil over, and he’s had his share of blowups, but that intensity also comes with the territory of a player who isn’t afraid to take charge when the moment gets tense.
For the Cardinals, that meant more than just production in the middle of the lineup. It meant having someone who could ignite a clubhouse and push back when things got chippy.
St. Louis has players who will stand up for teammates, but Contreras brings a different level of force.
His energy is loud, noticeable, and infectious, the kind that can spread through a dugout. The Cardinals could use that as they work through a difficult stretch in their schedule, especially when the temperature rises and someone needs to answer back.
A reunion doesn’t look likely. The Cardinals are not expected to make a major splash at the trade deadline, so bringing Contreras back appears far-fetched.
Even so, his presence would change the feel of this team. Every club needs at least one player willing to fight back when the moment demands it.
That’s what the Cardinals had before the rebuild. Contreras’ outburst in Boston served as a sharp reminder of how much that kind of personality can matter in a clubhouse, and how much St.
Louis may be missing it now. Whether the Cardinals look for that type of player before the deadline remains to be seen.
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