The Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a trade, sending first baseman Willson Contreras to Boston in exchange for right-hander Hunter Dobbins and multiple minor league pitchers, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports. The deal, finalized December 21, 2025, adds a significant bat to the Red Sox lineup and continues a reshaping of the Cardinals roster.
A Veteran Presence Heads to Boston
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The Red Sox are bolstering their lineup with a proven hitter, while the Cardinals are fully embracing a rebuild.
- Contreras will receive a $1 million bonus for waiving his no-trade clause.
- The Cardinals will cover $8 million of the $41.5 million remaining on Contreras’ contract.
- Boston has been actively seeking a first baseman after a mid-season need arose in 2025.
The Red Sox are acquiring a switch-hitting power threat in Contreras, who has a .261/.358/.459 slash line with 55 home runs over 1416 plate appearances from 2023-2025. Contreras, who turns 34 in May, provides a much-needed offensive boost and a veteran presence in the clubhouse. The move addresses a clear need for Boston at first base, a position that became a focus after injuries last season.
Contreras’ Journey to Boston
Contreras initially signed a five-year, $87.5 million free agent deal with the Cardinals in December 2022, envisioned as the successor to Yadier Molina behind the plate. However, the Cardinals shifted his role, utilizing him more as a designated hitter and, eventually, transitioning him to first base in 2025. Despite a solid defensive grade of +6 from Outs Above Average at first base, the veteran expressed openness to a trade as the Cardinals pivoted towards a rebuild.
“If something comes up…and it makes sense for me and my future, how about we talk about that?” Contreras said, signaling a willingness to consider a move. Reports surfaced a few weeks ago indicating an increased openness to waiving his no-trade clause, ultimately leading to the deal with Boston.
Financial Implications and Contract Details
The Red Sox will receive Contreras with a slightly reworked contract. He’ll now earn $18 million in 2026, $17 million in 2027, and Boston holds a $20 million club option for 2028 with a $7.5 million buyout. The Cardinals will contribute $8 million towards the remaining $41.5 million owed to Contreras, reducing Boston’s financial commitment to $34.5 million, with a $17.25 million luxury tax number.
Cardinals’ Rebuild Continues
For the Cardinals, the trade signifies a continued commitment to rebuilding. After a disappointing 78-84 season, the organization is shedding veteran contracts and acquiring young talent. Along with Contreras, the Cardinals have also discussed potential trades involving Nolan Arenado, signaling a significant shift in direction.
Prospects on the Move
In addition to Dobbins, the Red Sox sent right-handers Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita to St. Louis. Dobbins, who tore his right ACL last July – his second ACL tear – posted a 4.13 ERA with a 6.6% walk rate and 17.6% strikeout rate over 61 innings in his debut season. Fajardo, a 2024 international signing, had a 2.25 ERA and 28.8% strikeout rate in 72 innings. Aita, a 2024 sixth-round pick, recorded a 3.98 ERA in 115 1/3 innings.
Breslow’s Bold Moves
This trade continues a pattern of significant moves by Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow, who also acquired Sonny Gray and Garret Crochet this offseason, and previously sent Rafael Devers to the Giants. Breslow has demonstrated a willingness to trade prospects to acquire established players, while retaining key pieces like Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, and Kristian Campbell.
The Red Sox are also reportedly considering trades for other infielders, including Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman, and may explore moving an outfielder to further bolster their pitching staff. The acquisition of Contreras provides a solid foundation at first base, transforming a potential weakness into a strength.
