Willson Contreras Trade Buzz Heats Up - And the Guardians Should Be Listening
Earlier this offseason, the idea of Willson Contreras in a Guardians uniform felt more like a long shot than a legitimate possibility. That no-trade clause in his contract looked like a locked door.
But now? That door might be cracked open - and Cleveland should be paying close attention.
According to a recent report, Contreras is now “open to trade offers” and increasingly willing to waive his full no-trade clause if the fit is right. That’s the kind of shift that turns a pipe dream into a real conversation. While there’s no direct indication that Cleveland is on his shortlist, the fact that he’s open to movement is a meaningful development for any team looking to add a proven right-handed bat - and the Guardians fit that bill.
Contreras Still Brings Impact at the Plate
Contreras might not have returned to All-Star form since his 2022 season with the Cubs, but don’t let that fool you - the guy can still hit. Over the past three seasons in St.
Louis, he’s slashed .261 with 55 home runs and is coming off a campaign where he posted a .357/.344/.447 line with 20 homers and a career-high 80 RBI. That’s not just solid production - that’s middle-of-the-order impact.
And he’s not just doing it behind the plate anymore. In 2025, Contreras played first base full-time for the first time in his career.
That versatility could be a huge asset in Cleveland. With Kyle Manzardo in the mix and C.J.
Kayfus potentially shifting to the outfield, Contreras could slot in as a right-handed complement at first - a position where the Guardians could use more thump and balance.
Let’s not forget: Cleveland’s lineup leans heavily to the left. Contreras, a righty with pop, would bring a much-needed dose of balance and power to a group that struggled to consistently drive the ball last season. If the Guardians want to take a real step forward offensively, adding a bat like his could be a game-changer.
Is St. Louis Really Ready to Move Him?
Now, just because Contreras is open to a trade doesn’t mean he’s on the move. The Cardinals aren’t exactly holding a clearance sale.
According to reports, they don’t feel pressured to deal him and are comfortable bringing him back for Opening Day. That makes sense - he’s still under contract for two more years at $36.5 million, and he remains a productive veteran presence.
But money could still play a role here. Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom already showed a willingness to eat salary in exchange for better prospect returns, sending $20 million to Boston in the Sonny Gray deal.
If St. Louis is open to a similar arrangement with Contreras, that could make negotiations more flexible - and more appealing for a club like Cleveland.
What Would a Deal Look Like?
The Cardinals are reportedly shopping for young, controllable pitching - and that’s a currency the Guardians can still deal in, even if their farm system isn’t quite as stacked as it once was. Cleveland ended last season with a six-man rotation, and while Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams are likely off-limits, arms like Joey Cantillo or Parker Messick could become intriguing trade chips if the front office is ready to make a splash.
It’s a delicate balance. The Guardians have built their identity around pitching depth and development, and they’re not going to gut that core for a short-term fix.
But Contreras isn’t just a rental - he’s under contract through 2027 - and he fills a glaring need in the lineup. That makes this less of a gamble and more of a calculated upgrade.
Cleveland’s Window Is Open - Time to Push?
Cleveland made the postseason last year despite finishing near the bottom of the league in most offensive categories. That speaks volumes about their pitching, defense, and resilience.
But if they want to go from playoff participant to legitimate October threat, they need more firepower. And Contreras could be exactly that.
He brings postseason experience, positional flexibility, and a bat that can change the game in one swing. If the Guardians are serious about contending - not just sneaking into the playoffs but making real noise once they get there - this is the kind of move that signals intent.
There’s still a lot to sort out: money, fit, trade packages. But for the first time, the idea of Willson Contreras in Cleveland doesn’t feel like a fantasy.
It feels like a possibility. And in a tight AL Central, that might be the difference between another early exit and something much bigger.