Willson Contreras hopes to play for Venezuela in WBC

Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras spoke with Julian Guilarte of Our Esquina about his desire to play for his native Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, his time with the Chicago Cubs, his new torpedo bat and much more.

Contreras, a three-time All-Star, has 153 career home runs, 475 RBIs, 33 stolen bases, and a slash line of .255/.350/.456 in 3,286 at-bats.

Our Esquina – What would it mean to you if you got the chance to represent Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic? 

Willson Contreras – “Representing your country. It means a lot. I’ve been wanting to play for the last two of them. I have not played because the first one I was trying to make the team with the Cubs and to stay with the team.

“The second one, I wanted to get to know the Cardinals’ staff and remain focused, but I’m available to go for the next one. If I get an invite and they want me there, I’ll be there.”

OE – What are your thoughts on Francisco Lindor being named the captain for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic?

Contreras – “I don’t think there’s anybody now, like right now in baseball. I don’t think there’s anybody better to be the captain for, Puerto Rico. I think he’s a great leader. And it shows with the Mets. And, he’s a great player, he’s a superstar.”

OE – What does that torpedo bat and indented knob do for you specifically?

Contreras – “This is an extender. I think it helps the swing to be more on plane . About the barrel of the  torpedo bat, I just started using it. I like it, but I don’t see any, like, huge difference from it. I don’t know if it’s the wood or not, but, I’m going to use it tonight and see what happens.”

OE – Do you recognize pitchers better in the box because you caught so many different pitchers?

Willson Contreras – “For sure. I think, you know, the strike zone a lot better when you start behind the plate. Now at first base it’s a different thought process. It slows your game down by a lot.  And It’s been a long process for me to like to make that transition, but I have trust in myself, work by myself, and everything is going to be fine.”

OE – What is the biggest difference between the Chicago Cubs and the Cardinals?

Contreras –  “I think their vibe and the environment in the ballpark are  different.  Both of the teams are super respected and respected in baseball. I really love the Cubs. Because that was the team that saw me grow and  saw me growing up. I signed with them back in 2009 and playing with them last in 2022.

“I’m really thankful for them, for giving me the opportunity to become a professional baseball player. I’m really thankful for everything that I did, especially for starting the 2016 World Series. That’s the only ring that I have, and I have to bring it up because I have to and that’s my blessing. …

“I really want to take back everything I said in 2023. I think I spoke from my emotions and not my maturity. We live and learn and I love both teams.”