What’s Next for Willson Contreras and the Cardinals? A Shift in St. Louis Could Be on the Horizon
Willson Contreras’ time in St. Louis has been anything but smooth sailing.
After signing a five-year, $87.5 million deal with the Cardinals, the former Cubs All-Star was expected to bring a stabilizing presence behind the plate and a spark to the lineup. Instead, his tenure has been marked by inconsistency, role changes, and a franchise in transition.
Let’s be clear: Contreras can still hit. His bat remains a legitimate asset in any lineup, especially for a catcher.
But it’s the fit - or lack thereof - that’s become the bigger story. Since his arrival, the Cardinals have yet to reach the postseason, and while that’s not solely on Contreras, the timing hasn’t helped his case.
The organization is clearly shifting gears, and with Chaim Bloom now steering the front office, the Cardinals are beginning to reshape the roster with an eye toward the future.
Bloom’s first major move was the trade of veteran pitcher Sonny Gray, signaling a willingness to move on from established players with sizable contracts. That’s where Contreras comes back into the spotlight.
According to reporting from The Athletic’s Katie Woo, Contreras is now open - and perhaps even eager - to waive his no-trade clause if the right opportunity comes along. That’s a notable shift from his earlier stance, when he expressed a desire to stay in St.
Louis and be part of the solution. But with the Cardinals potentially a few years away from serious contention, it makes sense that a veteran like Contreras would want a shot at playing meaningful October baseball again before his contract runs out in 2027.
This isn’t about burning bridges - it’s about timing and trajectory. Contreras is 33, and if he wants to compete for a ring again, staying through a rebuild might not be the best path. And from the Cardinals’ perspective, moving a high-priced veteran could free up resources and playing time for younger talent as they retool.
There’s also buzz that the team could explore moving other veterans, including at third base, as part of this broader reset. It’s clear that Bloom is looking to recalibrate the roster, and Contreras - despite his offensive value - may not be part of that long-term vision.
In many ways, this is a crossroads moment for both sides. Contreras still has something to offer, especially to a contending team that needs a veteran presence with postseason experience and a bat that can lengthen a lineup. And the Cardinals, with a new front office and a changing core, are trying to chart a new course after three straight seasons without playoff baseball.
Whether a trade happens this offseason or closer to the deadline, the writing feels like it’s on the wall. Contreras wants to win.
The Cardinals want to evolve. And sometimes, the best move is one that gives both sides a fresh start.