Contreras fills Molina void

Free-agent Willson Contreras, the three-time all-star catcher and last everyday link to the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series-winning team, agreed to a five-year, $87.5-million (U.S.) deal with the rival St. Louis Cardinals — where he’ll replace Yadier Molina at catcher. Contreras, 30, has a lifetime .808 OPS and produced one of his best marks — .815 with 22 homers — last season. While not as highly regarded defensively as Molina, Contreras makes the Cardinals younger and more offensively viable.