Blockbuster Trade: Red Sox Land Willson Contreras as Cardinals Shake Up Roster

Boston’s pursuit of middle-of-the-order power has zeroed in on Willson Contreras, and the St. Louis Cardinals’ slugger suddenly sits at the center of a two-team tug-of-war that also features the New York Mets. Multiple reports indicate the Red Sox have “significant interest” in trading for the three-time All-Star, who transitioned smoothly from catcher to first base and still has two years and $36.5 million left on his contract. The Mets, meanwhile, view Contreras as a potential solution after losing Pete Alonso’s 45-homer bat to Baltimore; club officials have continued “evaluating how he’d fit their team,” per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and subsequent national coverage. Because Contreras owns full no-trade protection, any deal will hinge on his approval, but the 33-year-old has signaled he would consider a move that benefits his family and puts him on a contender. Why Contreras is in demand • Reliable pop: He’s topped 20 homers in six of the last nine full seasons, slugging .447 with a 124 wRC+ in 2025. • Defensive upgrade: His six Outs Above Average at first ranked fourth in MLB, far superior to Boston incumbent Triston Casas (-10) and well ahead of New York’s stopgap options. • Balanced contract: An AAV under $20 million fits both franchises’ payroll plans better than a free-agent splash. What Boston could offer The Red Sox possess surplus left-handed pitching prospects—Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, maybe Wikelman Gonzalez—and could headline a package without sacrificing top blue-chipper Marcelo Mayer. St. Louis is seeking controllable arms to speed its rebuild, making a match plausible if Boston blinks first on prospect cost. What New York could offer The Mets’ farm depth lies in power-armed relievers and mid-tier position players, but they also boast emerging catcher Kevin Parada. Dangling Parada plus a pitching piece could entice the Cardinals while mitigating New York’s long-term payroll squeeze after Juan Soto’s record extension. Timing and leverage St. Louis already moved veteran starter Sonny Gray to Boston, signaling a willingness to retool. By dangling Contreras now—before the free-agent first-base market thins further—the Cardinals maximize leverage. If either suitor pivots to cheaper stopgaps (Ryan O’Hearn, Carlos Santana), Contreras’ market cools and St. Louis may wait until July. Bottom line Willson Contreras’ potent bat, improved glove and palatable contract have created a bidding war between rivals in baseball’s two biggest media markets. Whether he’s crushing doubles off the Green Monster or protecting Juan Soto in Queens, his next address should be finalized well before pitchers and catchers report, and it could reshape both the AL East and NL East pennant races in 2026.