Of course, the Red Sox and Cardinals have already completed one trade, sending a notable veteran to Boston; right-handed Son Gray was traded to the Sox in exchange for Righty Richard Fitts and lefty minor league Brandon Clarke earlier in the low season. (The Cardinals included $20 million in cash to facilitate the trade.) Like Gray, Contreras is a veteran on an expensive contract with a full no-trade clause that St. Louis would like to move to smooth payroll and create opportunities for younger players.
While Gray has been very clear about his willingness to waive his no-trade clause this winter, Contreras has been more uncertain. The catcher-turned-first baseman said at the end of the season that he would consider certain scenarios but preferred to remain in St. Louis. Contreras has reportedly warmed up to the idea of sanctioning a trade as the offseason progresses, but he will still be choosy about his potential destination. It’s not yet clear which teams Contreras would be willing to approve a trade to, but he would likely prefer a contender. Boston clearly checks that box.
The fit in Boston is a natural one. First base was a question mark throughout the 2025 season. Young slob Triston Casas struggled through a cold spell for the first three weeks and then suffered a season-ending knee injury just as he was starting to show signs of emerging from that slump. Boston turned around Romy González, Abraham Toro and possibly free collection by an agent Nathaniel Lowe for much of the season. Gonzalez thrived against left-handed pitchers, but was below average against right-handers, as is typical for him. Toro struggled and was eventually dropped from the roster. Lowe performed decently overall, but was denied a tender due to a high arbitrage price and a poor four months to start the season.
Acquiring Contreras, who has hit .256/.356/.461 (130 wRC+) over the past four seasons, would add an everyday option to the lineup and allow Gonzalez to be deployed in more of a utility role. Although he is new at first base, Contreras made a smooth transition to the position in 2025. The longtime catcher had a poor defensive reputation behind the dish, but put up solid grades for his glovework in his new defensive home. Statcast’s Outs Above Average metric ranked him as a positive defender (+6), and Defensive Runs Saved had him as a near-average defender (-1). Those numbers could potentially improve slightly as he performs even more reps at the position.
Contreras will make $36.5 million over the next two seasons and have a $5 million buyout on a $17.5 million club option for the 2028 season. That remaining $41.5 million in guaranteed money roughly equates to the market value — at least in terms of average annual value — for a first baseman who turns 34 next May. Christian Walker for example, landed a three-year, $60 million contract last winter that covers the ages 34 through 36 seasons.
For the Red Sox, the $20.75 million in remaining AAV would put them above the luxury tax threshold, but given their pursuit of so many notable free agents and trade targets, that doesn’t appear to be a major hurdle this time around. If the Sox don’t want to go too far outside the tax line, the Cardinals’ inclusion of $20 million in the gray trade shows a clear willingness to pay salary in exchange for a better return. Those preliminary conversations certainly gave both sides an idea of which remaining players in Boston’s system would be important. And while it may not be a deciding factor in Contreras’ decision, the notoriety of having former teammates like Gray and Aroldis Chapman that is already on the roster can be an extra.
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