Willson Contreras is the Cubs’ beating heart ... but he can hit dingers too

Welcome to the 2017 MLB postseason, baseball fans! You’ve spent 162 games with your favorite team, and now it’s time to watch the teams you haven’t paid much attention to. Who are these teams, and who are their best players? We can help.

Who is Willson Contreras?

Contreras is primarily a catcher for the Cubs, but the 25-year old from Venezuela has also spent time at first base, third base, and in the outfield this season for Chicago. Throughout the year, with the exception of some time missed thanks to a hamstring injury, Contreras has been a solid presence behind the plate while also providing versatility to the lineup.

What did he do this year?

Statistically, he was above average offensively. He hit .276/.356/.499 with an .855 OPS. In 418 plate appearances he had 21 homers and 74 RBI. He hit the fourth-most doubles on the Cubs and drove in the third-most runs — and that’s including a month away from the game due to injury. He’s not only versatile position-wise, but behind the plate he can ably catch for the entire pitching staff, throwing runners out, and blocking balls.

His personality has also been credited with helping the Cubs bounce back from their World Series hangover post All-Star Break, although that personality also netted him a one-game suspension for throwing his helmet to the ground, which hit an umpire.

How did the Cubs acquire him?

He signed with the Cubs as an international free agent in 2009. He began his time with the organization in the Dominican Summer League at age 17, before moving up to spend time with a few Class A teams and the Double-A Tennessee Smokies, before being promoted mid-season in 2016.

Was he always supposed to be this good?

Scouting reports pegged his offense exactly where it stands now — hitting around .270 and putting up more than 15 home runs a year — but they also were more focused on how his game compared to then-Cubs catcher Miguel Montero (now with Toronto). He was the Cubs’ No. 2 prospect at the time of his call-up so he didn’t come out of nowhere. But his ability to control the run game and survey the field has already surpassed where people assumed it would be in his career.

tl;dr

In his first full year with the Cubs, Contreras has shown he can hit with power and hold down the space behind home plate with confidence. His enthusiasm and leadership will only become more important as Cubs veterans cycle out of the organization, but his current clubhouse personality will be a benefit throughout these playoffs.