Overview
- Katie Woo of The Athletic reported that Willson Contreras is open to trade offers and has become more willing in recent weeks to waive his full no-trade clause.
- ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel note Contreras previously expressed a desire to stay in St. Louis and estimate roughly a 15% chance he is dealt this offseason.
- Contreras holds full no-trade protection through 2026 and is owed about $41.5 million over the next two years, with a club option beyond that, which complicates any deal.
- St. Louis is resetting its roster under Chaim Bloom, having already traded Sonny Gray and fielded interest in other veterans such as Nolan Arenado.
- With the Winter Meetings approaching, the situation remains fluid, and analysts suggest a trade could require the Cardinals to absorb salary to facilitate a move.