Red Sox Reportedly Interested in Trading For $41 Million World Series Champion

Craig Breslow recently noted his desire to add more power to the Boston Red Sox’s lineup, and he could be looking to make another trade to do so.

While free agents like Bo Bichette, Eugenio Suárez, Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto are all available, the Red Sox are showing interest in trading for some upgrades. MassLive’s Chris Cotillo revealed the Red Sox are showing interest in Willson Contreras of the St. Louis Cardinals.

“The Red Sox are one of many teams interested in Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan, but St. Louis still might hold onto him,” Cotillo wrote on Friday. “A new name has also surfaced for the Red Sox, who according to a source are pursuing Donovan’s teammate, Willson Contreras, in trade talks.”

Contreras is a three-time All-Star and World Series champion with the Chicago Cubs. He spent most of his career as a catcher before last season, when he played 120 games at first base. Contreras could be an option to share first base with Triston Casas and serve as a designated hitter on other days.

He has two years and $41 million remaining on his deal, with a 2028 club option. He has a full no-trade clause, but could waive it for a chance to play on a contender once again.

Contreras still brings solid offense to the lineup. He has posted an OPS+ over 120 in four consecutive seasons. Last season, he hit 20 home runs and had 80 RBIs. His OPS since the start of 2022 is .817, and he could be a great addition for the Red Sox.

If the Red Sox do not want to commit to a free agent slugger long-term, Contreras is a solid alternative. He would cost prospect capital, but he is a 10-year veteran and could be an underrated option for Boston.