Willson Contreras is officially on the move again, and this time, it’s sending ripple effects across multiple franchises. The veteran catcher - once a fan favorite at Wrigley and later a divisive figure in St.
Louis - is now headed to Boston. The Cardinals are trading Contreras to the Red Sox in a deal centered around right-hander Hunter Dobbins, with minor league arms Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita also going to St.
Louis.
For the Cardinals, this marks another clear step in what’s shaping up to be a full-scale reset. They already dealt Sonny Gray to Boston earlier this offseason, and moving Contreras only reinforces the idea that St.
Louis is looking ahead - not to 2025, but to 2026 and beyond. That rebuild mentality could soon include moving veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado, who vetoed a trade to Houston last offseason but might be more open to a change of scenery now that contention is off the table in St.
Louis.
As for the Red Sox, Contreras gives them a versatile veteran bat who can slot in at first base. That development could shift their offseason priorities - particularly when it comes to a potential reunion with All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman. With Contreras now in the mix, Boston may not feel the same urgency to pursue Bregman, which could open a lane for the Cubs to make a move of their own.
Chicago has been circling Bregman for two offseasons now, clearly intrigued by what the veteran infielder could bring to the table. But before they can seriously entertain that kind of splash, the Cubs need clarity in their starting rotation.
If they can swing a trade for a cost-controlled arm like Edward Cabrera, it would free up the financial flexibility to make a run at Bregman in free agency. On the flip side, if their rotation fix ends up being someone like Tatsuya Imai, it might limit their ability to add another big contract.
So, what we’re seeing here is a classic offseason domino effect. Contreras to Boston reshapes the Red Sox’s infield picture, potentially shifts Bregman’s market, and indirectly impacts how the Cubs might approach the rest of their winter. It’s a reminder that even one trade - especially involving a name like Contreras - can send shockwaves through multiple front offices.
The Cubs, in particular, look like a team on the brink of making a significant move. Whether that’s adding a frontline starter, landing Bregman, or both, the pieces are starting to move. And with the Cardinals clearly stepping back, the door in the NL Central may be opening a little wider than expected.