Contreras wasting no time coming through for Crew

PHOENIX -- When William Contreras got the news that he was getting shipped from the Braves to the Brewers this past December, he knew he had a golden opportunity in front of him.

Not only was he going to have the chance to catch some pretty talented pitchers in Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff, but he was also going to be a premium upgrade at catcher, a position that was arguably a weak spot for the Brewers last season.

There was so much hype around Contreras’ acquisition then, and he is proving why now. Contreras went 3-for-4 and extended his hitting streak to nine games in the Brewers' 7-3 loss to the D-backs on Wednesday afternoon at Chase Field.

“I’m getting the chance to not only be an everyday player, but also to prove what I can do," Contreras said in Spanish. “I keep making adjustments each day while keeping a winning mentality. Obviously, today wasn’t a good day, but we still have confidence.”

Scouts praised Milwaukee's acquisition of Contreras. The Brewers had to part with Esteury Ruiz -- one of their many top outfield prospects at the time -- in the three-team, nine-player deal that also involved the A’s.

In return, they received a 25-year-old catcher that can hit the ball all over the field, has postseason experience and was an All-Star in 2022.

“He's off to a great start, and that's good for a young player, as well,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. “He's going to be out there a bunch, and it's good to have an offensive presence as a catcher. That's always a bonus, and I feel like we got one.”

Milwaukee’s catchers combined to hit .204 last season, better than only six teams. Atlanta's catchers, meanwhile, combined to tie with the Blue Jays for the best backstop batting average in the Majors (.273), and a lot of that had to do with Contreras. In his first nine games this season, Contreras is slashing .364/.417/.424. A small sample size, but he also already has a proven track record of plate success, hitting .278 with 20 home runs and 45 RBIs in 97 games last year.

Contreras’ impact seems to be as important defensively as it is offensively. Many teammates have praised his presence and ability to manage the game from behind the plate, notably Wednesday’s starter Janson Junk.

“He knows me pretty well after a very limited time,” Junk said. “He calls a good game, and already I feel like we're on a good page.”

Counsell noted the importance of Contreras' ability to spray the ball around the diamond, something not a lot of catchers can do.

“He's good, the base hits are kind of going to the opposite field,” Counsell said. “That's his strength. He's a very good hitter to the opposite field and three hits today were in that direction. Just middle of the field, the opposite field. When he's going well, the ball is getting hit over there.”

Contreras ultimately wants to bring his playoff pedigree to the Brewers, as the team aims to get back to the postseason in 2023.

“I have my own personal goals, just like everybody should,” Contreras said. “Obviously, it’s going to be something that comes with time. Baseball is hard, people don’t really understand that, but I’m here to work toward those goals.”

Brosseau beginning to heat up
Mike Brosseau led the Brewers in home runs (six), RBIs (14) and average (.375) through Spring Training. Counsell was impressed with him, but there just wasn’t a spot available in the lineup.

That changed this series. With Jesse Winker sidelined with an illness, the Brewers had more flexibility to insert Brosseau, and he took advantage of the opportunity. He went 3-for-7 over the past two games, hitting an opposite-field home run and collecting four RBIs.

“Mike has good at-bats,” Counsell said. “I think you saw that today. He’s making the pitcher come into the strike zone.”