The Atlanta Braves have had an obvious problem at the catcher position, shuffling through a seemingly endless list of options. Sean Murphy remains on the shelf for an unknown amount of time, and it has become clear the franchise would prefer to utilize Drake Baldwin at DH consistently to offset the wear and tear of the catcher position. With this in mind, Atlanta should think outside the box and see if current Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras is both on the market and willing to shift back to the catcher position.
Contreras was moved by the Cardinals from catcher to first base to attempt to offset injury issues. This has worked incredibly well, with the infielder hitting .284 and offering 20 home runs and 59 runs driven in so far in the 2026 season. The Red Sox are far from a lethal offense and sit at the bottom of the American League East, making it obvious that veteran pieces could be dealt over the next weeks of the season.
For the Braves, Contreras makes sense as a piece that can be rotated at catcher and the DH position based on the matchup. It is the chance to bolster the middle of your lineup without giving up your best prospects. Contreras is 34 and only has two years of team control remaining, making a potential trade far more affordable.
Braves Should Consider Surprise Answer to Catching Woes Adding Willson Contreras
It is incredibly important to note that this only works if Contreras is willing to make the move back to catching. Adding the hitter as strictly a DH is a difficult sell based on the desire to utilize Baldwin in this position and the production of Dominic Smith. Still, it is a move worth exploring and one that would greatly benefit both sides as the Braves continue to deal with underwhelming production from every piece other than Baldwin.
As we close in on the All-Star Break, it is noteworthy that at some point Jonah Heim, Joey Bart, Chadwick Tromp, Jair Camargo, Austin Wynns, and Sandy Leon have all spent time in the Braves lineup. This helps provide a bit of clarity as to why the franchise should have an understandable sense of urgency to find an offensively capable addition.
Contreras unquestionably qualifies as such and would give the Braves a lineup better able to survive injuries and the question marks in the outfield and at shortstop. As we move closer to the deadline and negotiations begin, it is at least worth a phone call to find out if the accomplished veteran is a fit for Atlanta.
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