January 7, 2022

Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras posted some of the best numbers at his respective position last year, hitting 21 HRs with 57 RBI, 61 runs, and five stolen bases. He walked 10.8% of the time but also posted a 28.6 K%. So even with his .298 BABIP, 88th percentile average exit velocity, and 86th percentile HardHit%, the 29-year-old's batting average sat at .237 by season's end, and Contreras has now hit .239 over the last two seasons. Though he might represent a liability in that category, he has some of the best power at catcher, barreling the ball at least 10.4% the past three seasons, including an 11.1% mark in 2021. Contreras will never reach the 30 HR threshold if he hits the ball on the ground as much as his 51.6% rate from last season or his career 52.4% rate, but he should once again go yard about 20 times, considering how hard he hits the ball. He's never been a base stealer, but his 64th percentile sprint speed suggests he can swipe another five bases next year. The backstop hits in a pretty ordinary lineup but should be right in the middle of it, giving him plenty of opportunities for RBI and runs. Contreras played 128 games last year despite missing about three weeks with an injury. If healthy, he should start at least 130 games in 2022. His ADP of 111 is fair given the weak catcher position, and fantasy managers shouldn't wait for Tyler Stephenson, the next catcher off the board.--Spencer Seguin