Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Willson Contreras

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 18, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Willson Contreras made an impact.

Willson Contreras is a Venezuelan professional baseball player currently with the Boston Red Sox of MLB. Primarily a catcher and first baseman, he previously played for the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. Known for his offensive abilities and strong arm, Contreras has established himself as a prominent player in MLB, earning recognition for his contributions both defensively and at the plate.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Signs with Chicago Cubs and Professional Debut

In 2009, Willson Contreras signed with the Chicago Cubs as an international free agent and made his professional debut with the Dominican Summer League Cubs.

2010: Plays for Dominican Summer League Cubs

In 2010, Willson Contreras played for the Dominican Summer League Cubs, batting .313 in 17 games.

2011: Plays with Boise Hawks

In 2011, Willson Contreras played with the Boise Hawks.

2012: Plays with Boise Hawks

In 2012, Willson Contreras played with the Boise Hawks.

2013: Plays with Kane County Cougars

In 2013, Willson Contreras played with the Kane County Cougars.

2014: Plays with Daytona Cubs

In 2014, Willson Contreras played with the Daytona Cubs.

2015: Plays with Tennessee Smokies and Named Cubs Minor League Player of the Year

In 2015, Willson Contreras played with the Tennessee Smokies and was named the Cubs Minor League Player of the Year after batting .333/.413/.478 with eight home runs.

June 17, 2016: Promotion to Major League Team

On June 17, 2016, Willson Contreras was promoted to the major league team of the Cubs.

2016: World Series Win

In 2016, Willson Contreras and the Cubs won the World Series against the Cleveland Indians, with Contreras driving in a run with a double in the seventh game.

2016: MLB Debut and World Series Win

In 2016, Willson Contreras made his MLB debut and was a member of the World Series champion team.

April 2, 2017: Opening Day Starting Catcher

On April 2, 2017, Willson Contreras was the Cubs' opening day starting catcher against the St. Louis Cardinals.

October 18, 2017: Longest Postseason Home Run

On October 18, 2017, in Game Four of the NLCS, Willson Contreras hit the longest postseason home run, at 491 feet (150 m), since Statcast started recording such data.

2019: First Career Walk-Off Hit

On May 11, 2019, Willson Contreras had his first career walk-off hit, a solo shot off the Milwaukee Brewers' Burch Smith.

2020: Plays in Shortened Season

In the shortened 60-game season in 2020, Willson Contreras played in 57 games with a batting line of .243/.356/.407, along with seven home runs and 26 RBI.

2021: Catches First Combined No-Hitter

In 2021, Willson Contreras caught the first combined no-hitter in Cubs history against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 24.

May 16, 2022: 100th Career Home Run

On May 16, 2022, Willson Contreras hit a grand slam off of Pittsburgh Pirates starter Bryse Wilson, marking his 100th career home run.

December 9, 2022: Signs with St. Louis Cardinals

On December 9, 2022, Willson Contreras signed a five-year, $87.5 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.

June 5, 2025: 1,000th Career Game and Game-Winning Single

On June 5, 2025, Willson Contreras played his 1,000th career game against the Kansas City Royals, hitting a game-winning single and also recorded the 500th RBI of his career.

December 2025: Trade to the Red Sox

In December 2025, Willson Contreras was traded to the Boston Red Sox.

December 21, 2025: Traded to the Boston Red Sox

On December 21, 2025, Willson Contreras was traded to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Hunter Dobbins and minor league prospects Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita.