Chicago Cubs: What to expect from Willson Contreras in 2018

Chicago Cubs’ catcher Willson Contreras has a great shot to build on a solid 2017 season

The 2017 season was Chicago Cubs’ catcher Willson Contreras’ first full major league season. After debuting on Jun. 17, 2016, Contreras appeared in 76 games for the North Sider’s, slugging 12 home runs and driving in 35 runs. Along with that, the back-stop slashed .282/.357/.488.

In addition to Contreras’ offensive body of work, the youngster also compiled a solid defensive season in 2016. Contreras spent time at three different positions in 2016: catcher, left-field and first base. While he logged just 180 and 19 innings in left-field and first base respectively, Contreras recorded more than 389 innings behind the dish.

In his time behind the plate, Contreras logged a .986 fielding percentage and committed six errors in 57 games. While those six errors would have tied him for seventh most in 2016, Contreras’ caught stealing percentage was ten points higher than the league average of 27%. Along with his five pickoffs, Contreras recorded an above average range factor in 2016 and saved one run defensively.