Willson Contreras' Historically Good Offensive Season Is Only Half of His Impact With Red Sox

The trade that brought Willson Contreras to Boston was met with praise for finally addressing the black hole that has plagued the Red Sox since, really, the 2018 season. Here at Talk Sox, we’ve written multiple articles predicting how impactful he was going to be and then highlighting how incredible his season has been. Yet, it's still safe to say that very few people expected his season to be one that would put him squarely in the history books for the organization.

To say that Contreras has been an offensive force this season is likely understating what he’s done at the plate. He’s slashing .280/.390/.528 with a .397 wOBA, 155 wRC+, and a 4.0 fWAR. To go along with, that he’s also slugged a career high 26 homers on the season and contributed 78 RBIs, which is only two off of his career high. He’s arguably the most feared bat in the lineup and for good reason, seeing as he leads the team in most offensive categories. He’s third on the team in batting average, behind Ceddanne Rafaela’s .289 and Nick Sogard’s .283, second in OBP with a .390 behind Sogard’s .395, and first in slugging percentage, wOBA, wRC+, and fWAR. When he’s on the field with a bat in his hand it, seems like he’s going to produce more often than not. There’s still some swing and miss in his game and he’s a bit too emotional with the ABS challenges from time to time, but he’s the offensive force driving this team.

On the defensive side of the ball, Contreras has settled first base in a way we haven’t seen in years. He’s sure-handed, makes diving plays, and just instills a sense of confidence in both his teammates and fans alike. That confidence means that Chad Tracy doesn’t have to worry about any play that goes down the right field line—Contreras is going to make a great attempt at it. He’s likely not going to be in the Gold Glove conversation at first, as there are a handful of American League first basemen ahead of him in defensive runs saved, but his offense means that his defense isn’t make or break. That’s something the Red Sox haven’t had at the cold corner in quite some time. 

Maybe most notably though, and what some fans may overlook due to Contreras’ fiery attitude, is his leadership with his teammates. We obviously know that he likes to fire up the boys by doing a bit of barking at opposing pitchers or yelling at the dugout as he passes by it during a home run trot, but what slips through the cracks is how obviously other teammates have gravitated towards him this season. Just look at what his former manager, Oli Marmol, had to say after the All-Star was dealt this winter.

What's stood out to me the most this season though happened very recently. Ceddanne Rafaela was going through a rut the plate and hit a weak fly ball to the outfield to end the inning in game two against the Pirates earlier this month. The NESN cameras cut to Rafaela and Contreras walking back onto the field together, and you could easily see the former was still upset. Then, the vet put his arm around his younger teammate's shoulders, and you could almost see the tension and anger melt off his face. He settled down for the rest of the game and has returned to his hot hitting ways as of late. You can’t credit Contreras with the turnaround completely, but that moment speaks volumes to just how much of an impact a veteran presence has on this young club. They look to him for guidance and leadership, and his passion for the game is nothing short of contagious.

Willson Contreras has been better than advertised with the Boston Red Sox. Breslow needs to be commended for pushing the right buttons with his offseason trades, but the Contreras one may be his shining moment when all is said and done.