The Boston Red Sox have made yet another trade with the St. Louis Cardinals this winter after acquiring Sonny Gray earlier on to bolster their rotation. Boston is acquiring First Baseman Willson Contreras in a trade with the Cardinals, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Red Sox have made it a priority to improve their infield, and getting Contreras is a big-time move.
Red Sox Get a Big Bat
After making the switch from catcher to being a full-time first baseman, Contreras has excelled, and he’ll be even better in Fenway Park. As a pull hitter, he will benefit significantly from the Green Monster in left field after being at Busch Stadium for many years. At 33 years old, his bat is still above average, slashing .257/.344/.791. He has been remarkably consistent at the plate and is exactly what Boston needs at the top of their lineup.
Defensively, Contreras is as good as you can get at first. He posted a +6 outs above average last season and showed excellent range over on the right side of the infield. The Red Sox haven’t had continuity at first in a long time, and will have Contreras under contract for the next three seasons, making $18 million. With how young their roster is, Contreras will bring proven playoff experience and a much-needed veteran presence to their locker room.
Craig Breslow has done a nice job thus far of adding to the roster, and there is still a lot more work left to be completed for the Red Sox. The AL East all around has added a ton of roster, and it’s set to be the most competitive division in all of Baseball heading into 2026.
Breaking Down the Return For the Cardinals
Right-hander Hunter Dobbins is the centerpiece heading to St. Louis. The two other players going to the Cardinals are RHPs Yoan Fajardo and Blake Aita. Dobbins boasts a six-pitch repertoire highlighted by an elite sweeper and a deceptive split-finger. Last year, he appeared in just 13 games before sustaining a season-ending torn ACL in his right knee while covering first base in early July, which required surgery in August. He is reportedly progressing well in his rehab and is targeting a full return by Opening Day 2026.
St. Louis has bolstered its rotation with several young pitchers, aligning with its goal as the organization enters another rebuild. More trades are expected, with second baseman Brendan Donovan likely to be the next to depart. The Cardinals anticipate a significant return for Donovan, with high-level prospects expected to contribute immediately.
