Willson Contreras Bio
Willson Eduardo Contreras is a Venezuelan professional baseball first baseman and catcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. Contreras made his MLB debut in 2016 and was a member of the 2016 World Series champions. Contreras was voted as a starter in the MLB All-Star Game in 2018, 2019, and 2022. He signed with the Cardinals as a free agent after the 2022 season. In December 2025, Contreras was traded to the Red Sox.
Early Life and Background
Willson Contreras was born on May 13, 1992, in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, to Olga and William Contreras. He is the middle child of three, with an older brother, Willmer, and a younger brother, William. Growing up, Willson and William often played baseball in the streets using a crumpled piece of paper as a makeshift ball. At the age of 16, he began attending a baseball academy in Venezuela that was run by the Chicago Cubs, which marked the beginning of his journey into professional baseball.
Path to Baseball
Willson Contreras signed with the Chicago Cubs as an international free agent in 2009. He made his professional debut with the Dominican Summer League Cubs that same year, where he batted .205 in 29 games at the age of 17. Over the next few years, he improved significantly, batting .313 in 17 games in 2010, and later playing with various teams in the Cubs minor league system. In 2015, he was named the Cubs Minor League Player of the Year after an impressive season where he batted .333 with eight home runs. His performance earned him a spot on the Cubs’ 40-man roster after the season.
Willson Contreras Career
Early Career (2016–2022)
Contreras was promoted to the major league team on June 17, 2016. He made an immediate impact, hitting a two-run home run on the first pitch of his first major-league at-bat. He finished the 2016 regular season with 80 hits in 295 at-bats, 12 home runs, and a .275 batting average. In the postseason, he played a crucial role in the Cubs’ 2016 World Series victory, contributing with a key pinch-hit single in the National League Division Series.
Breakthrough (2017–2022)
In 2017, Contreras was the Cubs’ opening day starting catcher and had a strong start to the season, hitting five home runs in six games. He was selected as the National League’s Player of the Week in August. Despite facing injuries, he continued to perform well, finishing the season with a .276 batting average and 21 home runs. Contreras was selected to the All-Star Game for the first time in 2018, marking a significant milestone in his career. He continued to excel, earning All-Star selections in 2019 and 2022 as well.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Willson Contreras has been recognized for his exceptional skills on the field. He is a three-time All-Star and was part of the 2016 World Series champion team. He has consistently contributed to his teams with impressive batting statistics, including a career batting average of .258 and over 170 home runs.
Willson Contreras Award Nominations
Willson Contreras has received multiple nominations throughout his career, including three All-Star selections, showcasing his talent and impact in Major League Baseball.
Willson Contreras Awards Won
Contreras has won significant awards, including being a member of the 2016 World Series champion team and earning three All-Star selections in 2018, 2019, and 2022.
Willson Contreras Family
Willson Contreras is married to Andrea Villamizar, with whom he tied the knot on May 3, 2018. He has a younger brother, William Contreras, who is also a professional baseball player.
Personal Life
Willson Contreras is known to be a supporter of the Venezuelan opposition and has publicly expressed his support for Juan Guaidó. He maintains a private life outside of baseball, focusing on his family and career.