The Boston Red Sox have a new slugger at their disposal. After searching for ways to bolster the middle of their lineup, Boston has finally landed its first big-time addition this offseason.
Following misses on targets Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber, The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey reported that the Red Sox would “try to get creative” to add two bats. Step No. 1 in that plan was reportedly completed Sunday night.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals have agreed on a trade to bring three-time All-Star Willson Contreras to Boston. “Breaking: The Boston Red Sox are acquiring first baseman Willson Contreras in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, sources tell ESPN,” Passan reported.
For Red Sox fans, this is an encouraging development. Contreras is a proven, big-time player. At 33 years old, he comes off a strong 2025 season where he posted 20 home runs, 80 RBIs, and a .257/.344/.447 slash line over 135 games.
Boston is acquiring a versatile bat who can serve as a first baseman, catcher, or designated hitter. Contreras brings a decade of MLB experience and three All-Star selections to the table.
On top of his on-field value, Contreras is signed for two more seasons (2026 and 2027) with a club option for 2028, providing the Red Sox with stability in the middle of their lineup.
In the immediate aftermath, Boston appeared to have won the deal. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported that the Red Sox will send right-handed pitchers Hunter Dobbins, Yhoiker Fajardo, and Blake Aita to the Cardinals as part of the trade.
“Red Sox sending RHP Hunter Dobbins, RHP Yhoiker Fajardo and RHP Blake Aita to Cardinals in deal for Willson Contreras, source tells The Athletic,” Rosenthal wrote on X.
Adding to the favorable terms for Boston, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale noted that the Cardinals are expected to cover a substantial portion of Contreras’ remaining contract. “The Cardinals expected to pay substantial part of contract with Contreras owed $40.5 million over the next two seasons,” Nightengale tweeted.
Passan further clarified the financial details: “Full trade, per ESPN sources: Red Sox get: 1B Willson Contreras and $8 million to cover part of his remaining $41.5 million in salary,” he wrote. “Cardinals get: RHP Hunter Dobbins, RHP Yhoiker Fajardo and RHP Blake Aita.”
In summary, the Red Sox have acquired an All-Star caliber bat to address a position of need, while also gaining $8 million in salary relief. They are sending a depth starting pitcher—who had an outstanding 2025 season before an injury—and two pitching prospects to St. Louis.
This strategic move by Craig Breslow and the Red Sox front office represents a significant swing to improve Boston’s lineup and overall roster depth heading into the upcoming season.
https://www.si.com/mlb/red-sox/onsi/boston-red-sox-news/how-red-sox-won-willson-contreras-cardinals-blockbuster-pat3
