Steve Mitchell - USA Today Sports
Steve Mitchell - USA Today Sports

Former MLB great suggests Willson Contreras should bat leadoff


Tony Crumpton Tony Crumpton  ·  Senior Editor ·  

Former baseball great Frank Thomas had some interesting thoughts on the leadoff position for the Chicago Cubs that is currently held by slugging outfielder Kyle Schwarber.

Thomas suggested that manager Joe Maddon experiment with young catcher Willson Contreras in the No. 1 hole.

"I like Willson Contreras," Thomas said. He has power, and he makes a lot of contact. He's won a batting title in the minor leagues. This guy can flat out hit. He's comfortable at the big leagues now. I know you don't like catchers hitting leadoff, but this guy could be the answer leading off, and he runs very well."

In 2017, Contreras is batting .228 with four homers, 17 RBI, and an on-base percentage of .296. For his career, he is a .265 hitter with 16 home runs, 52 RBI, and an on-base percentage of .338.

Comment on this story
Print   
Send Feedback to Tony Crumpton: Email | Comment
Cubs’ quiet trade deadline haunts them after NLDS exit
Cubs’ quiet trade deadline haunts them after NLDS exit
Ben Johnson praises defense, run offense after Bears’ fourth straight win
Ben Johnson praises defense, run offense after Bears’ fourth straight win
Cubs Minor League News: Howard, Wheat continue to struggle in AFL
Cubs Minor League News: Howard, Wheat continue to struggle in AFL
Post your comments!