Willson Contreras named American League Player of the Week

Boston Red Sox catcher Willson Contreras has earned American League Player of the Week honors for his stellar offensive performance. This marks the second time in his career Contreras has received this accolade, and his first in the American League after a previous award in 2017 with the Chicago Cubs.

Contreras posted an impressive .458 batting average over the week, collecting 11 hits in 24 at-bats. Four of those hits were for extra bases, and he was responsible for driving in eight runs. His contributions helped the Red Sox achieve a 3-3 record as they strive to improve their standing in the AL East.

This season, Contreras has established himself as one of the top first basemen in Major League Baseball. He currently leads the league with Vinnie Pasquantino of the Kansas City Royals in triples, with two. Additionally, he ranks among the top ten first basemen in batting average, hits, home runs, and runs batted in, according to Fangraphs data.

In the National League, Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks was recognized as Player of the Week. Marte also earned his second career Player of the Week award, having previously won in 2019 with the Diamondbacks. He recorded a .536 batting average with 12 RBIs and seven extra-base hits during the week.