Contreras named All-Star starter for 3rd time
LOS ANGELES -- Looks like the Cubs’ current series won’t be Willson Contreras’ only trip to Dodger Stadium this year.
The 30-year-old was announced as the starting catcher for the National League All-Star team on Friday, when the results of Phase 2 of voting were unveiled. Fan voting this year took place in two stages, with the top two vote-getters at each position in each league in Phase 1 advancing to Phase 2, where Contreras got 65 percent of the vote over the Braves’ Travis d’Arnaud.
“It means a lot,” Contreras said. “I can’t believe I’m going to be at the All-Star Game. But I worked so hard for this. I work so hard with my team to be in the All-Star Game every year.”
Contreras, who started at catcher for the NL All-Star squads in 2018 and '19, entered Friday leading NL backstops in batting average (.274), OPS (.890), hits (71), home runs (13, tied with the Dodgers’ Will Smith) and wRC+ (151). He becomes the second player in Cubs history to make three or more All-Star Games as a catcher, joining Hall of Famer Gabby Hartnett, who made the Midsummer Classic for Chicago in six straight seasons, from 1933-38.
Although Contreras -- who’s been dealing with left hamstring tightness -- was not in the lineup for the fourth straight game on Friday against the Dodgers, he should be healthy enough to make the All-Star start on July 19. Overall, he’s been able to stay fresher this year than in past seasons. The presence of Yan Gomes as a capable backup and the addition of the designated hitter to the NL have enabled Contreras to stay in the lineup almost daily, and his offensive output has thrived as a result.
Contreras expressed his appreciation both to Cubs fans and Venezuelan fans all over the world for their ardent support in getting him into the All-Star Game. Contreras also said he’s proud to represent the Cubs, the organization with which his relationship dates back to 2008.
He was 16 years old when he began attending the Cubs’ baseball academy in his native Venezuela, and he officially signed with them as an international free agent the following season. He continued to develop in Chicago’s farm system over the next seven years, making his Major League debut in June 2016 at the age of 24.
At that point, Contreras was part of a Cubs rebuild that culminated with the 2016 World Series championship. The tables have turned a bit, with Contreras now filling the role of veteran leader.
“He’s a guy that wants to carry the load,” Cubs manager David Ross said. “He wants to help every aspect, whether it’s fighting for every strike or fighting for his pitchers or getting a big hit or getting guys over, getting the winning run in or hitting the big home run. He wants to do it all himself. And I’ve seen him be able to take those moments of failure and just turn the page a lot quicker, and I think that’s a maturity thing that comes later in your career.”
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There’s a chance that relationship could be nearing its end, though. With Contreras set to become a free agent at the end of the season and the Cubs expected to be sellers at the Aug. 2 Trade Deadline, his name has come up frequently in trade rumors. While he’s taken things in stride, Contreras admitted that “this team means everything to me.”
“I'm really thankful and proud of everything that I've done here,” said Contreras. “Thankful to the Chicago Cubs for giving me the opportunity to play pro baseball. And I would love nothing more than to play for the Chicago Cubs for the rest of my life.”
The other thing on Contreras’ mind? The possibility that he might get to play on the same squad as his younger brother, William, who splits time between catcher and DH for the Braves. He made it into Phase 2 of voting for NL DH but finished second to Bryce Harper of the Phillies. However, Harper won't play due to a fractured left thumb, which could present an opening for the younger Contreras.
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The complete All-Star rosters will be announced during the 2022 Chevrolet MLB All-Star Selection Show on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.
“Hopefully, he gets into the All-Star Game so we can play for the first time together in the same team,” said the elder Contreras. “I know it means a lot to my family. And he makes me proud of the work that we both have put in."