The Boston Red Sox have reportedly secured the acquisition of Willson Contreras. As reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Red Sox completed a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday to bring Contreras on board. In exchange, right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins, along with minor league pitchers Yoyquer Fajardo and Blake Eita, will be sent to the Cardinals. Additionally, the Cardinals will pay the Red Sox $8 million to cover part of Contreras’ remaining salary.
Dobbins, a 2021 MLB Draft pick by the Red Sox, made his major league debut this spring, starting 11 games with a record of 4 wins and 1 loss, and an ERA of 4.13. Despite missing the latter half of the season due to a torn ACL, he is expected to recover in time for Opening Day. Contreras, who spent the last three years with the Cardinals, transitioned from catcher to first base in 2025. He is a three-time All-Star who, last season, batted .257 with 80 RBIs and led the team with 20 home runs, ranking 10th in the league.
Contreras is under contract for two more years of a five-year, $87.5 million deal signed before the 2023 season, with an $18 million salary due next season and a club option for 2028 with a $5 million buyout. Despite a full no-trade clause in his contract and initial intentions to help rebuild the Cardinals after their 78-84 record and third straight missed playoff appearance, Contreras will now join the Red Sox, who recently made their first playoff appearance since 2021, finishing last season 89-73 before losing to the New York Yankees in the wild card round.
This trade marks the second transaction between the Red Sox and Cardinals this offseason, following the move that brought pitcher Sonny Gray to Boston, a deal where Gray also waived his no-trade clause.
Fan Take: This trade highlights the Red Sox’s commitment to strengthening their lineup and returning to postseason contention, which should excite fans looking for a competitive team. For the sport, acquiring a player like Contreras, known for his versatility and power, underscores the growing trend of teams leveraging multi-position players to maximize strategic flexibility.
