Overview
- Boston acquires three-time All-Star Willson Contreras and roughly $8 million from St. Louis, with the veteran owed $18 million in 2026 and $18.5 million in 2027 plus a 2028 club option.
- St. Louis receives right-hander Hunter Dobbins along with pitching prospects Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita, with Dobbins coming off a 2025 ACL tear after an 11-start debut.
- Contreras waived a full no-trade clause for an extra $1 million in guarantees and is expected to handle most of Boston’s first-base and DH duties after transitioning from catcher in 2025.
- Multiple reports indicate the move is expected to cool Boston’s trade talks for Ketel Marte, while conversations about a possible Alex Bregman return remain active against interest from other clubs.
- This marks the second Red Sox–Cardinals deal of the offseason after the Sonny Gray trade and further thins Boston’s pitching-prospect depth in exchange for near-term offense.