The St. Louis Cardinals are entering Sunday with a 72-77 record, and with a four-game deficit in the NL wild card race, a playoff berth is possible but highly unlikely.

With the season coming to an end and the organization set to undergo changes at the top—Chaim Bloom taking over as president of baseball operations in place of John Mozeliak—first baseman Willson Contreras figures to be a key veteran presence as the team leans on its youth movement.

Contreras made it clear at the trade deadline that he intends to fulfill his contract with St. Louis and does not want to be moved, regardless of whether the franchise enters a rebuilding phase.

The 33-year-old transitioned from catcher to first base at the start of the season to try and play more games, and it has paid off as he’s logged 134 entering Sunday—the most games he’s ever played with the Cardinals. Contreras has produced at the plate too, posting a .255 batting average, .342 on-base percentage, .786 OPS, 20 home runs and 79 RBIs.

Oli Marmol Shares Latest Update on Willson Contreras

Contreras leads the entire National League in hit by pitches with 23, and that trend continued on Saturday when he was drilled twice but still finished the game.

Ahead of Sunday’s series finale with the Milwaukee Brewers, Cardinals manager Oli Marmol removed Contreras from the lineup and announced he’s “pretty beat up.” Marmol added that he may be available off the bench to pinch hit if needed. (h/t Jeff Jones of Belleview News-Democrat)

Willson Contreras is “pretty beat up,” Marmol said, on top of wearing two HBP last night. Might be available to hit later in the game.

Brendan Donovan was planned off today, day after night. Less likely to be used than Contreras.

Willson Contreras is “pretty beat up,” Marmol said, on top of wearing two HBP last night. Might be available to hit later in the game.

Brendan Donovan was planned off today, day after night. Less likely to be used than Contreras.

— Jeff Jones (@jmjones) September 14, 2025

This is unfortunate for Contreras, as his transition to first base was also an attempt to protect his body as he approaches the later stages of his career. Now, however, it appears he’s still getting hit with the baseball in the batter’s box instead of behind the plate.

Regardless, it appears Contreras has avoided any structural damage, but the Cardinals may not want to rush him back to the field if he isn’t fully healthy. Contreras still has two more seasons left on his five-year, $87.5 million deal.