Red Sox hint that playing time at old position will be minimal for Willson Contreras

Until a few years ago, Willson Contreras was a starting catcher. As recently as two seasons ago, he started nearly a third of his team’s games behind the plate.

But to hear Craig Breslow tell it, Contreras won’t be seeing much playing time behind the plate with the Red Sox.

“We’ll have those conversations,” said Breslow in a Zoom call with reporters. “But as of now, we see him primarily at first base, maybe some DH opportunities. But the more that we can get his bat in the lineup, the better off we’re going to be. And also, as a credit to him, he made that transition (from catcher to first base) pretty smoothly and even throughout the season last year, improved defensively and by some marks, was a well above-average defensive first baseman.”

Contreras didn’t see a single inning at catcher last year and even if that’s the case again in 2026, he could have a positive influence on fellow Venezuelan Carlos Narváez, the team’s No. 1 catcher. Connor Wong is slated to return as the backup.

“It can only help,” said Breslow. “As someone from the same country, who understands the transition has been like, has performed on the biggest stage and won a World Series and has transitioned to another position. Willson, at this point in his career, really relishes the opportunity to impact the careers of younger players.

“I was with Willson in Chicago when I was in the front office and he was still catching there and you will not find someone who is as competitive and engaged and intense during the game and who cares so deeply about his teammates. So we’re really excited for the impact that he’ll have on and off the field.”

Contreras was acquired by the Red Sox from the St. Louis Cardinals in a four-player trade Sunday night. He had a no-trade clause in his contract that he agreed to waive for a million dollars, becoming the second Cardinals player to do so this winter. Late last month, pitcher Sonny Gray did the same.

“I’ve had a number of conversations with Willson over the last few days,” said Breslow, “and from the first one, he was excited about coming to Boston. He talked about Boston being a preferred destination when he went through free agency (three years ago) and obviously, things not working out but (even after) ending up in St. Louis and always having an eye on Fenway Park, on the historic organization, a chance win his second world championship here.

“He’s been great throughout this process in talking about his excitement to come over here and wear a Red Sox uniform.”

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