The Red Sox just made another major move this offseason, acquiring veteran first baseman Willson Contreras from the Cardinals in exchange for right-hander Hunter Dobbins and two minor league arms: Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita. The deal also includes a $1 million bonus for Contreras, who waived his no-trade clause to make the move to Boston happen. To help offset the financial side of things, the Cardinals are kicking in $8 million toward the $44 million still owed to Contreras on his contract.
Let’s break that down: Contreras is owed $18 million in 2026 and $18.5 million in 2027, with a club option for 2028 that now sits at $20 million (with a $7.5 million buyout). That option was adjusted as part of the trade-originally it was a $17.5 million option with a $5 million buyout.
So, with St. Louis covering part of the tab, Boston’s financial commitment lands at $36 million.
This marks the second time in a matter of weeks that the Red Sox have struck a deal with the Cardinals for a high-profile veteran. First it was Sonny Gray, and now it’s Contreras-two players who, not long ago, weren’t willing to waive their no-trade clauses.
But after a disappointing 78-84 season, the Cardinals have shifted into rebuild mode, and the tone has changed. Gray, Contreras, and even Nolan Arenado have all shown more openness to a change of scenery.
For Contreras, the shift didn’t come out of nowhere. Late in the season, he hinted at being open to a move if it made sense for his future.
While he expressed a desire to help lead a younger Cardinals team, there were signs in recent weeks that he was ready for a new challenge. Now he gets it-with a fresh start in Boston and a chance to anchor a retooling Red Sox roster.
Contreras, who turns 34 in May, leaves St. Louis with a .261/.358/.459 slash line and 55 home runs across three seasons.
He originally signed a five-year, $87.5 million deal in December 2022 to be the heir to Yadier Molina behind the plate. But that plan never fully materialized.
The Cardinals gradually scaled back his catching duties and used him more as a designated hitter before eventually moving him to first base full-time in 2025.
And here’s the thing: he held his own at first. According to Statcast’s Outs Above Average, Contreras posted a +6 mark at the position this past season.
Defensive Runs Saved had him slightly below average at -1, but overall, he proved to be a serviceable option at the cold corner. Combine that with his still-potent bat-especially as a righty in a lefty-heavy Red Sox lineup-and it’s easy to see why Boston made the move.
There’s also some familiarity at play here. Contreras spent his final seasons in Chicago while Craig Breslow was working in the Cubs’ front office.
Now, with Breslow running the show in Boston, he’s been aggressive on the trade front, reshaping the roster with bold moves. In addition to Contreras and Gray, Breslow brought in lefty Garret Crochet and made waves last June by trading Rafael Devers to the Giants.
That Devers deal had ripple effects. One factor behind it?
Devers wasn’t thrilled about being asked to shift to first base after Triston Casas went down with a season-ending knee injury. Boston patched the position together with Romy Gonzalez and trade-deadline pickup Nathaniel Lowe, but it was clear the front office would seek a more permanent solution this winter.
Contreras now fills that hole, and it could signal the end of Casas’ time in Boston. The young slugger has been a trade candidate since last offseason, and despite the injury, he still carries plenty of value as a former top prospect.
If the Red Sox can’t find a taker for Masataka Yoshida’s contract, they might consider keeping Casas and splitting first base and DH duties between him and Contreras. But as it stands, a Casas trade feels increasingly likely.
With Contreras locked in at first and Trevor Story set to return at shortstop, the Red Sox infield is starting to take shape. Top prospect Marcelo Mayer is expected to get reps at second or third base, and Boston remains in the mix for other big-name infielders like Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman. Contreras’ contract won’t prevent the Sox from making another splash, especially with ownership showing a bit more financial restraint in recent years.
Don’t be surprised if the Red Sox also move an outfielder to balance the roster. There’s been steady buzz about Boston flipping an outfielder for pitching help, and with the lineup starting to solidify, that scenario feels more plausible than ever.
On the pitching side, Boston entered the winter with depth but lacked proven top-end arms to slot in behind Brayan Bello and Crochet. Gray helps fill that void.
So does Johan Oviedo, who arrived in a separate trade with the Pirates. That depth has given Breslow the flexibility to deal from his surplus.
After sending Richard Fitts and prospect Brandon Clarke to the Cardinals for Gray, he’s now moved Dobbins, Fajardo, and Aita to land Contreras.
Bottom line: this is a Red Sox team that’s clearly going for it-not necessarily by throwing money at every problem, but by making calculated trades to reshape the roster. Contreras brings veteran presence, offensive punch, and positional versatility. And with more moves likely on the horizon, Boston’s winter is far from over.