The Boston Red Sox have already done business with their old pal Chaim Bloom this offseason, striking a deal for St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray. Could Boston and Bloom be making more moves together before the winter’s up?
The Cardinals are openly selling most of their roster, with guys like Brendan Donovan (highly desirable) and Nolan Arenado (a tougher sell) popping up in mock trades everywhere these days.
Interestingly, on Sunday, Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller talked about another player from the Cardinals that he believes makes sense for the Red Sox. Miller also said that this guy could be an even better fit with the New York Yankees, making the situation all the juicier.
“For (Willson) Contreras, certainly Boston would be interested, but the Yankees almost make too much sense, given their affinity in recent years for bringing in first basemen who are already into their mid-30s,” Miller wrote. “The Bronx Bombers also have a stockpile of pitching prospects, which the Cardinals need badly enough to potentially retain a significant chunk of the $41.5M remaining on his deal.”
Miller’s Contreras-Red Sox link comes from the club’s obvious need at first base, a need that has them pursuing Pete Alonso on the free-agent market. Contreras has a no-trade clause, but reports suggest he’s becoming more open to waiving it (much like Arenado).
Story continues below advertisement
Could Contreras factor into Boston’s sights as a nice backup plan if they don’t land Alonso? The former catcher is advancing in age (33), but he has considerable talent with three All-Star berths to show for it. He also won a World Series with the Chicago Cubs in 2016.
Contreras inked a five-year, $87.5 million deal with the Cardinals in 2022. Injuries hampered his 2023 (.264 average, 20 homers in 125 games) and 2024 (fractured forearm, broken finger), limiting him to 84 contests. To preserve his bat, St. Louis shifted him to first base full-time for 2025. In 135 games, he delivered a .257/.344/.447 line, 20 homers, a personal-best 80 RBI, and 31 doubles, while ranking among MLB’s elite defenders at the position with +6 outs above average.
Story continues below advertisement
A right biceps strain sidelined him in mid-September, ending his year prematurely amid St. Louis’ fading playoff push. Contreras has two years left on his deal followed by a club option in 2028.
Featured image via Brett Davis/Imagn Images
