However, part of me can’t help but feel that Contreras is getting scapegoated for the Cardinal pitchers underperforming in Year 1 after Yadi Molina. What exactly is the mechanism by which Contreras is failing defensively? Calling games? Otherwise, there’s little in the stats to suggest Contreras is worse than an average catcher:

• Statcast framing: 25th of 57

• Pop time: 10th of 45

• CS above average: 10th of 52

• Catcher blocking: 50th of 64