Red Sox Acquire Willson Contreras from Cardinals in Trade

The Boston Red Sox have acquired veteran slugger Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals. In exchange, the Cardinals will receive righty Hunter Dobbins and minor-league pitchers Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita.

This trade marks a significant move for the Red Sox, as Contreras is a three-time All-Star who is expected to enhance Boston's lineup. Contreras, entering his age-34 season, is under contract for two more years at $36.5 million, with a $17.5 million club option for 2028.

He is coming off a productive season, where he had a .257 batting average, 20 home runs, and 80 RBIs in 135 games, resulting in a 123 OPS+. Analysts have given mixed grades on the trade, with ESPN assigning a grade of B, noting Contreras's bat speed and hard-hit rate, while also cautioning about his age and increased strikeout rate.

The Athletic awarded an A, praising the addition of a solid defender and bat, while acknowledging that the Cardinals recouped assets for their rebuild. CBS Sports highlighted that the Red Sox managed to acquire Contreras without sacrificing top prospects, making it a beneficial move for their competitive aspirations.

Overall, Contreras provides the Red Sox with the right-handed power bat they have been searching for, while the Cardinals continue their rebuild by acquiring young talent.