Red Sox Acquire Contreras from Cardinals

The Boston Red Sox acquired three-time All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday in a trade aimed at bolstering their lineup for the 2026 season. In exchange, the Cardinals received right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins along with additional minor league pitching prospects, according to reports from ESPN's Jeff Passan and confirmed by MassLive's Chris Cotillo.

Contreras, 33, waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the deal, marking a significant addition to Boston's offense. He transitioned to a full-time role at first base for St. Louis in 2025 after beginning his career as a catcher with the Chicago Cubs, where he contributed to their 2016 World Series championship. Last season, Contreras batted .257 with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs over 135 games, posting an on-base plus slugging percentage above 120 for the fourth straight year. In Boston, he is expected to anchor first base or serve as the designated hitter, providing power and stability to a position previously filled by players including Triston Casas, Romy Gonzalez and Nathaniel Lowe.

The trade is the second major transaction this offseason between the two clubs. In late November, Boston...