The Boston Red Sox went out and traded for veteran first baseman Willson Contreras to bolster their lineup.
Contreras joins a Red Sox team that made the playoffs last season and enters this year with its eyes on winning the World Series. Although Boston just began its spring training, Contreras also learned that the team is tight-knit and enjoys each other’s company.
“I think we’re already having fun. I think what caught my attention was the chemistry they already have in here,” Contreras said on Saturday. “Even for me, that made me feel like I’ve been here for years. And I’ve been here for three days.
“That’s where everything starts. We win the clubhouse, then you translate that from the clubhouse to the field, and then we play together. We back each other up, and it’s gonna be fun.”
The 33-year-old knows he has to be a veteran leader in the clubhouse, and Red Sox manager Alex Cora agrees.
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Cora also believes Contreras can help fill the void of Bregman and be an impact hitter for Boston.
“I think it will (be) similar to what Alex (Bregman) brought last year offensively,” Cora added. “Very similar. This guy is going to hit the ball hard. It’s a quality at-bat. It’s a righty that we needed.
“He had a good season last year. Obviously, it’s a different scenario. Different ballpark. He’ll learn quick to hit the ball in the air to left field.”
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Contreras is a three-time MLB All-Star and won the World Series with the Chicago Cubs in 2016.
