Red Sox reportedly land Willson Contreras in trade with Cardinals

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The Boston Red Sox have landed Willson Contreras

The Red Sox struck a deal to acquire Contreras in a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday afternoon, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. In exchange, right-hander Hunter Dobbins is headed back to the Cardinals, who will also receive several minor league players in the deal. Further specifics of the trade package are not yet known.

Dobbins, who the Red Sox selected in the 2021 MLB Draft, made his debut this past spring. He went 4-1 in 11 starts on the mound and carried a 4.13 ERA. 

Contreras spent the last three years in the league with the Cardinals. He held a .257 batting average with 80 RBIs and 20 home runs last season, his 10th in the league. Contreras missed the final stretch of the season with a shoulder strain. 

Contreras is currently signed through the 2027 campaign, and holds a club option for the 2028 season. His deal included a full no-trade clause, and Contreras initially seemed committed to the Cardinals' rebuild after the team went 78-84 last season and missed the playoffs for a third straight year. 

Now, though, Contreras will join a Red Sox team fresh off their first playoff appearance since 2021. Boston went 89-73 last season, but fell in the Wild Card round to the New York Yankees.

This post will be updated with more information shortly.