Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Willson Contreras Signals Openness to Waiving No‑Trade as Cardinals Pivot to Bloom-Led Rebuild

The veteran’s stance shifted following a meeting with new baseball operations chief Chaim Bloom.

Image
Aug 30, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras (40) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Contreras said he prefers to remain in St. Louis and mentor a young roster, stressing he is not requesting a trade.
  • He told reporters he would discuss waiving his no-trade protection only if a proposal clearly benefits both his future and the organization.
  • He is in year three of a five-year, $87.5 million deal with roughly $41.5 million remaining, full no-trade protection through 2026, and a 2028 club option with a $5 million buyout.
  • A right shoulder strain ended his 2025 season at 20 home runs and a .257/.344/.447 line across 563 plate appearances.
  • With Bloom steering a youth-focused reset, veterans like Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray have indicated more openness to trades, and some outlets suggest Contreras’ age, role shift and salary could limit the return.