February 11, 2026

The Boston Red Sox acquired first baseman Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals in the offseason, and he is expected to play every day at either first base or DH. Contreras converted full-time to first base duties last year with the St. Louis Cardinals, playing every day until a September biceps injury ended his season early. However, abandoning catching duties helped his run production. His 70 runs and 80 RBI marked career highs, as Contreras' walk rate and isolated slugging were down compared to recent seasons. His .791 OPS and 124 wRC+, while serviceable, were his lowest marks since 2021. Although the 33-year-old posted a career-high 13.8% Barrel rate and a near-49% Hard-Hit%. Fenway Park is an overall upgrade for right-handed hitters like Contreras, although it plays below average for home runs. It's unfortunate that he no longer holds catcher eligibility, because fantasy expectations are higher for a first baseman. On the other hand, Contreras should get a boost from a better supporting cast, a hitter-friendly park, and a lineup spot as he is expected to hit clean-up for Boston in 2026. ATC projections have him pegged for 22 home runs, .252 batting average, and a .342 wOBA. Contreras is a solid option at first base for those who wait at the position and comes in at 1B20 in the latest RotoBaller rankings. He profiles better as a corner infielder or utility bat in standard 12-team leagues.--Michael Cecchini - RotoBaller