Since Yadier Molina retired, the St. Louis Cardinals have been on the lookout for a reliable catcher to take charge behind the plate. They initially hoped Willson Contreras could fill Molina’s large shoes, but the 2023 season revealed that Contreras fell short of the Cardinals’ high expectations.
After moving Contreras to first base, the team turned to Ivan Herrera as their next everyday catcher option. Although Herrera showed he could handle major league pitching offensively, his defense was lacking, and his weak arm struggled to control opposing base runners. As a result, he now mostly serves as the designated hitter.
The Cardinals seem to have finally found a solution with Pedro Pages. Once viewed as a steady but unspectacular defensive catcher, Pages has made notable defensive improvements this season.
Taking over the primary catching duties during Herrera’s month-long absence due to a leg injury, Pages has maintained the starting role and earned recognition from Sports Info Solutions as one of their three Defensive Players of the Month for May.
Pedro Pages has stabilized the Cardinals’ catching in 2025.
The article highlights that Pages led the league in catcher defense, topping all catchers with eight defensive runs saved and ranking just behind Patrick Bailey and Alejandro Kirk for the season.
He has also thrown out 8 of 32 attempted base stealers, boasting an above-average success rate of 25%. Additionally, the piece emphasized Pages’ strong connection with Cardinals ace Sonny Gray, who maintains a 2.32 ERA when Pages is catching.
While Pages’ primary value comes from his defensive skills, he’s also contributed offensively in 2025, batting .239 through May 16 before a slump that saw him hit only .103 over his last 29 at-bats. Beyond stats, his ability to collaborate with pitchers and his reputation as a friendly clubhouse presence add significant value.
Though many fans might have overlooked Pages’ development behind the plate, his skills could be a key factor in the team’s unexpectedly strong season. The Cardinals have several catchers waiting in the wings, but if Pages keeps excelling defensively, he might be considered the team’s long-term option.
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