Willson Contreras had a cool tribute to Yadier Molina after replacing him as the Cardinals catcher

The St. Louis Cardinals are entering a strange place this season. For the first time since the 2004 season, they will not be rostering either of the great Albert Pujols or Yadier Molina.

It’s the latter of which they’ve already found a very appropriate replacement: Three-time All-Star catcher and former Chicago Cub Willson Contreras.

As Contreras nears his Cardinals debut behind the plate on Opening Day, he shared that he has quite the tribute prepared for Molina. The young catcher had custom cleats made in honor of Molina that read “Respect4” — Molina’s jersey number.

To explain himself, Contreras noted that he has nothing but “respect” for his idol. What a perfect way to show it:

Willson Contreras has a nice tribute to Yadier Molina ready for opening day…

"Nothing but respect to Yadi, my idol." pic.twitter.com/I4cnaVMSYq

— Brenden Schaeffer (@bschaeffer12) March 29, 2023

Willson Contreras shows his tribute to Yadier Molina. Pretty cool. pic.twitter.com/VmXGikyByx

— Ryan Fagan (@ryanfagan) March 29, 2023

It’ll take a lot for Contreras to fill the shoes of someone like Molina. But if he can maintain his previous All-Star form, something says Contreras will also be paying respect to the legend’s Cardinals career in the best way possible — on the field.