Why I Even Bothered Looking at Wilmer
So, my fantasy catching situation was pure garbage last week. My main guy got hurt sliding into home plate like an idiot, and the backup I picked up off waivers? Forget it. Hits like my grandma swinging a wet noodle. Seriously, batting average dragging my whole team down. Needed someone, anyone, who could actually hit the damn ball.
Started scrolling the waiver wire like a madman around midnight Tuesday. Saw Wilmer Contreras just sitting there, available in like 60% of leagues. First thought? “Nah, that guy plays for the Brewers now, right? They ain’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard.” Almost scrolled right past him. Figured there had to be a catch.
The Digging Begins (Not Too Deep, Though)
But desperation makes you do weird things. Okay, fine. I clicked his name. Basic stuff first: Power numbers ain’t bad. Not gonna win you a homer title, but 20+ dingers last couple years? Solid for a catcher. That’s way better than the zero my current guy gives me.
Checked the past month real quick. Held my breath. Average sitting around .280 lately. Driving in runs. Walking more than he used to. Hey, not terrible! Compared to the black hole I had behind the plate, this looked like sunshine. Plus, the dude plays almost every damn day. Catchers who don’t need a nap after every game? That’s gold.
Pulling the Trigger & Immediate Doubt
Alright, my finger hovered over the “Add Player” button. The voice in my head started yapping: “Their offense stinks! He’s older!” But then I looked at the free agent pool again. Slim pickings? More like invisible pickings. Who else? Some rookie nobody with 3 games played? Pass. An old dude hitting .190? Hard pass.
Said “Screw it,” clicked add, and dropped Mr. Wet Noodle.
Felt good for a minute. Then Thursday comes. First game. He steps up… weak grounder to shortstop. Classic. Immediately thought “Oh great, another bust. Knew it.”
First Signs of Life (Thank God)
Friday night. Brewers are down, like always. Contreras steps in, ninth inning. Doesn’t even look fazed. Crack! Doubles down the line, drives in two runs. Tie game! Okay… that’s more like it. Didn’t win the game, but I got points for the hit and RBIs.
Then Saturday, quiet. Ugh. Sunday afternoon game. Bases loaded. You know what he did? Crushed a pitch to the damn warning track, deep fly ball. Sac fly, scores a run. Doesn’t show up huge on the stat sheet, but in my points league? Cha-ching. Contrributing without homers? I’ll take it.
Where I Stand Now & Would I Tell You to Grab Him?
So, it’s been a few games. Not a league-winner by any stretch. But here’s the deal:
- He plays. Like, constantly. That alone gives him value over most stiff catchers.
- He hits for some power. Homers come in bunches sometimes.
- He gets on base enough not to kill your average.
- Knocks in runs when they give him a shot.
Bottom line? If you’re hurting at catcher like I was (and trust me, you know if you are), grab Contreras off waivers right now. Don’t expect Mike Trout. Expect a solid, boring, reliable dude who fills the gaping hole at catcher without making it worse. He fixed my mess, way better than the alternatives. He’s a plug-and-play safety net. And in fantasy, sometimes that’s exactly what you need crawling out of the catcher wasteland.
