The Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals have been frequent trade partners of late, and it sounds like they might not be done dealing just yet.
After landing Sonny Gray in November and Steven Matz back in July-both moves aimed at bolstering a pitching staff that needed reinforcements-Boston has stayed active on the transaction wire. Most recently, they saw right-hander Dustin May head the other direction, signing with St.
Louis. Now, the Sox could be eyeing another Cardinal, this time to help on the offensive side.
According to multiple reports, Boston has “significant interest” in first baseman Willson Contreras. While nothing appears imminent, it’s a connection worth keeping a close eye on.
The interest was first noted by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, who also mentioned infielder Brendan Donovan as a potential target. But Contreras is the name drawing the most attention right now-and for good reason.
At 33, Contreras is coming off a strong 2025 season in which he made a full-time move from catcher to first base. That transition didn’t slow down his production.
In 120 games, he hit .257 with a .344 on-base percentage and a .447 slugging mark, adding 20 home runs and 80 RBIs. That kind of bat-especially from the right side-would be a welcome addition to a Red Sox lineup that’s still searching for consistency at first base.
Boston has cycled through options like Triston Casas, Romy Gonzalez, and Nathaniel Lowe, but none have quite locked down the role. Contreras, on the other hand, brings four straight seasons with an OPS+ north of 120. That’s not just solid-it’s the kind of offensive reliability that can anchor the middle of a lineup.
Financially, Contreras is under contract through 2027, with $18 million due in 2026 and $18.5 million in 2027. There’s also a $17.5 million club option for 2028. So while he’s not a rental, the cost might be worth it for a team like Boston that’s trying to re-establish itself as a legitimate contender in the American League.
This wouldn’t be a minor move-it’d be another bold step in what’s shaping up to be an aggressive offseason for the Red Sox. And if their recent history with the Cardinals is any indication, there’s a real chance this discussion turns into something more.
For now, it’s a situation to monitor. But if Boston wants to stabilize first base with a proven veteran who still has plenty of pop in his bat, Willson Contreras might just be their guy.