SAN DIEGO — The Cubs-Cardinals rivalry added another enthralling chapter Wednesday morning.

St. Louis reportedly added former Cubs catcher Willson Contreras on a 5-year deal, securing the Venezuelan as their new backstop and successor to legendary Yadier Molina.

Willson Contreras and #STLCards now in agreement on 5-year deal, source confirms, as first reported by @Ken_Rosenthal. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 7, 2022

Contreras spent the first seven years of his career with the Cubs after signing as an international free agent in 2009. He began his pro career as a third baseman before converting into a catcher. In his time with the Cubs, Contreras developed into a fiery leader for the team, playing with his emotion and endearing himself to fans. 

He debuted in 2016 and homered on the first pitch he saw in the big leagues. In his seven seasons with the Cubs, Contreras posted a 20.8 WAR (per Baseball-Reference), hit .256/.349/.459 with 117 home runs and 365 RBI and posted a 115 OPS+, 15 percentage points above league average. Contreras was a three-time All-Star starter at catcher and helped lead the Cubs to the 2016 World Series.

Contreras was the subject of plenty of trade rumors during the 2022 season. The Cubs ultimately hung onto him at the deadline after the Astros owner Jim Crane nixed a deal at the deadline that would have brought the Cubs pitcher José Urquidy. Instead, Contreras finished out the season with the Cubs, including starting in St. Louis hours after the trade deadline had passed.

Willson runs out before tonight's game. pic.twitter.com/d5Wr2faMGJ

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 2, 2022

The Cubs extended Contreras the qualifying offer after this year’s World Series and he rejected it, becoming a free agent. Now, the Cubs will receive draft pick compensation once the deal becomes official.

The Cardinals visit Wrigley Field early in the season, with a 3-game series slated in Chicago beginning May 8.