The Boston Red Sox have successfully addressed a key offseason need, finalizing a trade to acquire veteran first baseman Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals. The deal, first reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan, was confirmed on Sunday, December 22, 2025.
Details of the Blockbuster Trade
In exchange for the three-time All-Star, the Cardinals will receive a package of three right-handed pitchers: rookie Hunter Dobbins and prospects Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita. Financial considerations are also a major component of the agreement. St. Louis will send $8 million to Boston to cover part of the $42.5 million remaining on Contreras's contract.
Furthermore, Contreras agreed to waive his no-trade clause after the Red Sox renegotiated his deal, guaranteeing him an extra $1 million. The amended contract will now pay him $18 million in 2026 and $17 million in 2027. It also includes a $20 million team option for 2028 with a $7.5 million buyout.
Filling a Critical Void in the Boston Lineup
This move directly addresses the Red Sox's search for a right-handed power bat to play first base, a hunt that saw them fall short in the bidding for free agent Pete Alonso, who signed with the Baltimore Orioles. The 33-year-old Contreras is expected to be a major factor for Boston as they aim to compete in the highly competitive American League East.
The acquisition casts doubt on the future of Triston Casas with the Red Sox. The 25-year-old first baseman has been hampered by injuries, including a rib issue in 2024 and a season-ending torn patellar tendon in 2025, limiting his playing time.
Rebuilding Cardinals Secure Pitching Future
For the Cardinals, who are in a rebuilding phase, the key to the deal was acquiring Hunter Dobbins. The 25-year-old pitcher, who went 4-1 in 13 appearances (11 starts) during his rookie season, is expected to earn a spot in St. Louis's rotation upon his return from an ACL tear in July.
This marks the second significant transaction between the two clubs this winter, following last month's trade that sent pitcher Sonny Gray to Boston after he waived his no-trade clause.
The trade news emerges as the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly setting their sights on another Red Sox player, having had recent conversations with the agent for veteran third baseman Alex Bregman. Reports indicate the Jays are "very much in the mix" for the three-time All-Star.
