Less than a month after securing Sonny Gray, the Boston Red Sox have dipped back into the trade market and once again done business with the St. Louis Cardinals, adding another established veteran to their roster. This time, Boston acquired first baseman Willson Contreras along with $8 million in cash considerations in exchange for right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins and two pitching prospects, Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita.
Because Contreras’ contract included a full no-trade clause, the deal required his approval. To finalize the move, Contreras and his representatives at Octagon negotiated an additional $1 million bonus as part of the agreement. The structure of his contract was also slightly adjusted as part of the trade. Under the revised terms, Contreras will earn $18 million in 2026 and $17 million in 2027. The Red Sox also hold a club option for the 2028 season worth $20 million, which includes a $7.5 million buyout.
These changes differ modestly from the original agreement, which called for salaries of $18 million in 2026 and $18.5 million in 2027, along with a $17.5 million club option for 2028 carrying a $5 million buyout. With the updated structure, Contreras is now guaranteed $42.5 million over the remainder of his contract. After accounting for the Cardinals’ $8 million contribution, Boston’s total financial obligation comes to $34.5 million. For luxury tax purposes, Contreras will carry an annual hit of $17.25 million.
The trade reflects a shift in approach for both player and organization. When the Cardinals initially explored the idea of a rebuild last offseason, neither Contreras nor Sonny Gray was willing to waive their no-trade protection. However, after St. Louis finished a disappointing 78–84 campaign, the club leaned more decisively toward a long-term reset. In recent months, Gray, Contreras, and even Nolan Arenado—who blocked a trade to the Astros last winter—signaled a greater openness to considering new destinations.
For Contreras, that openness became more evident late in the season. He publicly acknowledged that if an opportunity arose that aligned with his future, he would be willing to discuss it. While he maintained that he was still prepared to serve as a veteran leader during the Cardinals’ rebuild, reports later suggested his willingness to waive his no-trade clause had grown, ultimately paving the way for his move to Boston and a fresh challenge with the Red Sox.
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