Boston Red Sox Bolster 2026 Roster with Willson Contreras Trade
Red Sox Make a Major Move for 2026 Championship Aspirations
The Boston Red Sox are making strides towards building a championship-caliber roster for the 2026 season, and they took a significant step this past Sunday. In a strategic trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, the Red Sox have acquired first baseman Willson Contreras, a move that could greatly enhance their lineup.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Red Sox will send pitcher Hunter Dobbins along with several minor league arms to the Cardinals in exchange for Contreras. As the 33-year-old catcher enters the third year of his five-year, $87.5 million contract, he is set to earn $18 million in 2026, adding substantial talent to Boston's squad.
Updated Red Sox Lineup for 2026
With Contreras joining the team, the Red Sox's projected lineup for the upcoming season is as follows:
- 1. Roman Anthony, LF
- 2. Alex Bregman, 3B
- 3. Masataka Yoshida, DH
- 4. Willson Contreras, 1B
- 5. Trevor Story, SS
- 6. Wilyer Abreu, RF
- 7. Marcelo Mayer/Kristian Campbell, 2B
- 8. Carlos Narvaez, C
- 9. Ceddanne Rafaela, CF
This trade marks the second collaboration between the Red Sox and Cardinals this offseason, following Boston’s acquisition of starting pitcher Sonny Gray in November. Contreras arrives in Boston after a productive season in which he hit 20 home runs and set a career-high with 80 RBIs, posting a slash line of .257/.344/.447. However, he also faced some challenges with injuries, including a shoulder strain that limited his appearances toward the end of the last season.
A three-time All-Star, Contreras began his career with the Chicago Cubs before transferring to the Cardinals before the 2023 season. Last year, he was hesitant to waive his no-trade clause; however, he expressed a willingness for a trade later in the season, focusing on what would be best for his future and the organization. As the Red Sox aim for a title after finishing last season with an 89-73 record and reaching the postseason for the first time since 2021, Contreras is poised to play a crucial role in this pursuit.
