But the St. Louis Cardinals must determine in 2025 who Ivan Herrera can be — and will be — in 2026 and beyond.

St. Louis Cardinals slugger Willson Contreras showed up heavier than normal in hopes of producing more power in 2025.

Both Ivan Herrera and Pedro Pages will look to take a hold of being the man behind the plate for the Cardinals after Contreras switched full-time to first base, but both will head into 2025 with questions marks on parts of their games.

Willson Contreras is casting a broader shadow in St. Louis Cardinals' camp this spring, physical modifications resulting from a weight-room regimen he adopted to bulk up for a move to first base.

In Saturday’ spring opener vs. the Marlins, the Cardinals lineup features some of the club’s projected starters like third baseman Nolan Arenado, catcher Willson Contreras, and shortstop Masyn Winn.

This position change for Contreras comes after the 32-year-old played only 84 games last season due to multiple injuries. The hope from here is that this change to first base will allow him to stay healthier and make a more significant impact at the plate as the Cardinals look to bounce back in 2025.

It’s hard to believe that March is around the corner and not only is Nolan Arenado still a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, we’re still talking about trade rumors surrounding him.

Noticeably larger through the chest and arms thanks to all the extra time he’s spent in the weight room as of late, Willson Contreras’ confidence was very much on display during a recent FaceTime call with his brother,

It's no secret the St. Louis Cardinals are trying to trade away third baseman Nolan Arenado who has three years, $64 million remaining on his contract.

Asked if he had a home run total in mind for his inaugural season out of shin pads, Contreras smirked and relayed a conversation he recently had with his brother, William, the catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Willson Contreras is casting a broader shadow in St. Louis Cardinals' camp this spring, physical modifications resulting from a weight-room regimen he adopted to bulk up for a move to first base.