Imagine stepping onto the baseball diamond, tasked with mastering a new position, and receiving guidance from one of the sport’s all-time legends. That’s exactly what happened to the Boston Red Sox’s newest first baseman, Willson Contreras, who got a crash course from none other than Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, affectionately known as ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ But here’s where it gets fascinating: Contreras didn’t just switch positions out of necessity—he thrived, finishing in the 91st percentile in outs above average among MLB first basemen last year. How did he pull it off? Let’s dive in.
Contreras, acquired by the Red Sox in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals on December 21, 2025, made a remarkably smooth transition from catcher to first base. His success wasn’t accidental. He dedicated countless hours working with the fielding coordinator, studying video footage, and—most notably—soaking up wisdom from Ozzie Smith himself. Smith, a 13-time Gold Glove winner, earned his ‘Wizard’ nickname for his magical play at shortstop, and Contreras was all ears. ‘He showed up during my workouts, broke down angles, and answered every question I had,’ Contreras recalled. ‘When a guy like that speaks, you listen. If you don’t, you’re in the wrong sport.’
And this is the part most people miss: Smith’s advice wasn’t just technical—it was philosophical. ‘Stay on your feet,’ Contreras shared. ‘Don’t stay flat-footed. Stay ready, and never stop asking questions.’ It’s a mindset that aligns perfectly with Contreras’s own approach to the game. Despite his success, he’s far from complacent. ‘I’m always looking to get better,’ he said. ‘Last year was good, but I’m not settling. There’s always more to achieve.’
Contreras’s journey to first base wasn’t as daunting as it might seem. Originally signed by the Cubs as a third baseman in 2009, he’s no stranger to the infield. ‘I never doubted I could play first base,’ he asserted. Now, as the Red Sox’s cleanup hitter, he’s poised to make an even bigger impact. Manager Alex Cora praised Contreras’s offensive prowess, comparing it to Alex Bregman’s production last season. ‘This guy hits the ball hard,’ Cora said. ‘He’s a righty we needed, and he’s going to thrive here.’
But here’s the controversial question: Can Contreras sustain his success at first base while also anchoring the lineup as a cleanup hitter? Some might argue it’s too much pressure, but Contreras seems unfazed. ‘It’s about having good at-bats,’ he said. ‘Whether I’m hitting cleanup or anywhere else, I trust my teammates to back me up. It’s fun, and I’m ready for it.’
Over the past four seasons, Contreras has batted .256 with a .356 on-base percentage, .461 slugging percentage, .817 OPS, 77 home runs, and 238 RBIs across 457 games. Those numbers speak for themselves, but it’s his relentless drive to improve that truly stands out. As he steps into his new role with the Red Sox, one thing is clear: Willson Contreras isn’t just a player—he’s a student of the game, and he’s here to make his mark.
What do you think? Can Contreras live up to the hype in Boston? Is his transition to first base a sign of things to come, or will the pressure of being a cleanup hitter prove too much? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
