What Unenviable Statistic is Willson Contreras Now Leading MLB In?

As Red Sox fans have likely already learned, Willson Contreras is one of MLB's most dangerous hitters any time he digs into the batter's box.

However, the slugging first baseman also often puts himself in danger when hitting with the way he crowds the plate and aggressively dives into pitches.

Contreras, the Red Sox team leader in home runs this season with eight, was hit for an MLB-most eighth time on Sunday. He was knocked out of Sunday's game against the Rays in the first inning when he was hit in the right hand by Tampa Bay starter Nick Martinez.

Contreras tried to stay in the game, but the pain was too much, and he ultimately departed the game after playing just a half-inning in the field.  The Red Sox initially dubbed the injury a hand contusion, but further testing could change the severity of the injury.

Andrew Monasterio replaced Contreras at first base on Sunday.

Having been hit so often his career, Contreras wears a batting glove with padding to protect the back of his left hand. However, Martinez's tailing 94 mph sinker came in under the left hand and hit on the outer portion of the right hand as Contreras prepared to swing. 

Contreras, who was acquired by the Red Sox in a trade with the Cardinals in December, is tied with former St. Louis teammate Ivan Herrera (eight) and Cardinals former top prospect JJ Wetherholt (eight) for the most times being hit by pitches.

This issue is nothing new for Contreras, who has hit .259 with 23 RBI to go along with his eight homers this season. Contreras was third in MLB in hit by pitches in 2025, getting plunked 23 times. He was hit by just 12 pitches in 2024, but he had to miss two different stints with hand injuries after being drilled by pitches.

Contreras led all of MLB in hit by pitches during the COVID-shortened season of 2020 and he was plunked a career-most 24 times in 2022.