Former MLB great suggests Willson Contreras should bat leadoff

Steve Mitchell - USA Today Sports

Tony Crumpton · Senior Editor · Friday, May 19 2017

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.