The Red Sox made a splash just in time for the holidays, acquiring veteran slugger Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals in a deal that signals Boston isn’t done shaping its 2026 roster.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow pulled the trigger on the trade, sending three pitchers - including right-hander Hunter Dobbins - to St. Louis in exchange for a bat that still has some thump, even if it comes with a few question marks.
Contreras, who’s set to turn 34, brings a track record of consistent power, having hit at least 20 home runs in four of the last five seasons. In 2025, he posted a .791 OPS, which edges out the league average for first basemen (.755). That’s not elite territory, but it’s solid - and in a lineup that’s still searching for more pop, it’s a step in the right direction.
But this isn’t a no-risk move. Contreras is entering that phase of his career where offensive production can start to slip, and there are a few signs that regression could be creeping in.
His walk rate dipped to a career-low 7.8% in 2025, while his strikeout rate has ticked up over the past two seasons. That’s not ideal, especially for a team trying to build a more disciplined, high-contact offense.
Still, there’s reason for optimism. Contreras remains in the 95th percentile for bat speed and 83rd percentile for hard-hit rate - two key indicators that suggest his swing hasn’t lost its edge.
He may not be the force he was in his prime, but he’s hardly washed. For a team that missed out on bigger names like Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso, Contreras is a capable fallback who can hold down first base for the next two seasons.
The trade also raises questions about Triston Casas’ future in Boston. With Contreras presumably locked in at first, Casas - a young slugger once seen as a cornerstone piece - could be on the move. Whether that’s part of a larger trade package or a shift to another position remains to be seen, but his name is one to watch as the offseason unfolds.
Another player worth monitoring is Romy Gonzalez, who quietly put together a strong 2025 campaign against left-handed pitching. He ranked fifth in the majors in hard-hit rate and showed he can be a weapon in a platoon role. While his range at second base is limited, his versatility makes him a valuable depth piece - think platoon DH with the ability to bounce around the infield.
Boston’s infield puzzle isn’t quite finished yet. With Contreras at first and Marcelo Mayer expected to take over one of the middle infield spots, the front office still has work to do. A third baseman remains a clear need - Alex Bregman’s name continues to float in the rumor mill - and the Red Sox could also look for a more permanent solution at second base.
Whether Breslow turns to the trade market or free agency to round out the roster, one thing is clear: the Red Sox aren’t standing pat. Contreras may not be the long-term answer, but he’s a proven bat with enough left in the tank to help Boston stay competitive in 2026. And with the AL East as stacked as ever, every upgrade - even a modest one - matters.