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Red Sox acquire Willson Contreras in big trade with Cardinals
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- Red Sox acquire Willson Contreras in big trade with Cardinals
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After a disappointing exit in the AL Wild Card at the hands of the New York Yankees , the Boston Red Sox continued an aggressive offseason by completing a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals involving Willson Contreras as MLB Free Agency continues to shape roster decisions. ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the Red Sox and Cardinals finalized a deal that sends the veteran first baseman to Boston. The move follows the Red Sox's earlier trade for Sonny Gray . It reflects an offseason approach centered on addressing needs through completed transactions.
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The full trade details clarify the structure. Passan further added that the Red Sox receive $8 million to help cover part of his remaining $41.5 million in salary. The Cardinals receive right-hander Hunter Dobbins , along with right-handers Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita. The exchange addresses roster needs on both sides, with St. Louis adding pitching depth and Boston securing a defined option at first base.
In a separate report by MLB Network's Mark Feinsand, the Cardinals' cash contribution offsets a portion of Contreras' contract. He is owed $36.5 million over the next two seasons and carries a $5 million buyout on a $17.5 million club option for the 2028 season.
On the field, Contreras brings steady production. Last season, he posted a .257/.344/.447 slash line with 20 home runs and 80 RBI. Those numbers provide context for why Boston identified first base as a priority and addressed it decisively.
The Red Sox continue reshaping their roster
The Willson Contreras deal fits a broader offseason pattern. The Red Sox added Sonny Gray to reinforce the rotation. They then addressed positional stability with this move, signaling a coordinated roster plan.
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Boston has also adjusted its pitching depth. The Red Sox completed a one-for-one trade with the Washington Nationals . The deal sent prospect Luis Perales in exchange for left-hander Jake Bennett as part of longer-term planning.
Around the league, the Red Sox have been linked to additional moves. That includes a potential reunion with Alex Bregman and possible trade interest in Ketel Marte . With MLB Free Agency still active, Boston has already turned key needs into action. How far the front office pushes next remains the question.
Related: Red Sox rumors: How Willson Contreras trade impacts Boston's Ketel Marte pursuit
