The Red Sox made their move Sunday night, trading for Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras. ESPN’s Jeff Passan broke the news around 7:45 p.m. ET while most fans were glued to football.
Contreras heads to Boston to solve their first base situation. The Cardinals are getting right-hander Will Dobbins plus additional minor league pitching, according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon.
It’s a solid pickup for Boston. The 33-year-old Contreras brings three All-Star selections and a World Series ring from that 2016 Cubs championship run.
He’s evolved quite a bit since breaking in as a catcher with Chicago. Contreras also spent time in left field early on, but he’s settled into first base exclusively now.
The production’s been consistent. This past season, Contreras posted a .791 OPS with 31 doubles, 20 home runs, and 80 RBI for St. Louis. Over his career, that OPS jumps to .811, and he’s reached the 20-homer mark six different times.
What makes this move smart is it eliminates uncertainty around Triston Casas. The Red Sox weren’t sure if Casas was their long-term answer at first base, and there were health questions heading into 2025.
Now they don’t have to worry about either issue.
Contreras slots right into what’s already shaping up as a promising Boston lineup. The veteran presence and proven power should complement their young core nicely.
Not bad for a Sunday night deal just days before Christmas. Sometimes the best moves happen when you’re not expecting them.
