Chicago Cubs: Willson Contreras has been solid behind the plate

In an up-and-down season, the Chicago Cubs continue to appreciate the work Willson Contreras turns in behind the dish each day.

When the Chicago Cubs called up Willson Contreras last season, they knew they had something special. He confirmed these expectations when he clubbed a home run in his first major league at-bat. He set the bar a bit high, but that’s just how Contreras is.

Following that exciting debut, Contreras went on to slash .282/.357/.488 with 12 home runs and 35 RBI in his first 76 games. What some thought might be a “cup of coffee” has turned out to be much more than that.

Contreras not only impressed fans with his bat in 2016, but he also put on a defensive showcase behind the dish. In 57 games as a catcher, Contreras caught 37 percent of would-be base stealers. Now as the “catcher of the future,” Contreras has some big shoes to fill.