The Boston Red Sox have bigger problems to sort through than a Willson Contreras trade idea.
At 37-48, Boston is sitting well below where it expected to be, and the skid has only sharpened the pressure. The Red Sox dropped two straight to the Washington Nationals before Thursday’s day off, and they’re set to open a three-game series Friday night against the Los Angeles Angels.
With exactly one month left before the 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline, the next stretch could shape the franchise’s direction for more than just this season. Boston has to decide whether to move veterans and accept the reality of a disappointing year, or try to push for a run despite the record. Either way, the choice will carry weight beyond 2026.
That’s why Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller floated a mock deal that would send Contreras out of Boston - but it’s not one the Red Sox should entertain.
“The Trade: Miami Marlins acquire 1B Willson Contreras from Boston Red Sox for IF Starlyn Caba and LHP Nate Payne,” Miller wrote. “There's nothing close to a 2025 Eugenio Suárez-two-month rental in the mix to lead the majors in home runs-on this year's trade block.
In fact, it's hard to see anyone currently in the top 20 in home runs getting dealt this summer, unless the Rockies are going to move Hunter Goodman with three years of control remaining. (More on that shortly.)
"Willson Contreras is likely to be the cream of the crop in that department, with 18 home runs and two years of team control left on his contract with a team that is 11 games under .500. Wouldn't it be fun if Miami was the team who made it happen?”
Contreras has been Boston’s most reliable presence at the plate and is under contract through the 2027 season, with a club option for 2028. The Red Sox have been looking for a right-handed bat, and he fits that need. He’s also become the kind of veteran voice this roster needs, which makes the idea of moving him now a tough sell.
The return from Miami wouldn’t be empty, but it would send a loud message. Trading Contreras would look a lot like waving the white flag on 2026, and that’s not a step Boston should be eager to take.
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