Thu Dec 11 03:10:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cardinals Open to Trading Willson Contreras at Winter Meetings
ST. LOUIS, MO – As the MLB Winter Meetings approach, the St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly open to trading catcher Willson Contreras. Despite previously expressing his desire to remain with the team, sources indicate Contreras is now more willing to waive his no-trade clause for the right opportunity.
Contreras, 33, is entering the second year of a five-year, $85 million contract, with $36.5 million remaining over the next two seasons. Last season, he hit 20 home runs and drove in 80 runs as a full-time first baseman.
The Cardinals are also actively considering trades involving several other left-handed hitters, including Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar, and Nolan Gorman, as they aim to increase roster flexibility. Donovan has generated the most interest, but no deal is guaranteed unless the Cardinals receive an offer they can’t refuse. Nootbaar, while recovering from heel surgery, is also drawing attention.
A major priority for the Cardinals this offseason remains trading Nolan Arenado, but finding a suitable deal will be challenging due to his no-trade clause and the current state of the third-base market.
The Cardinals recently traded Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox, signaling a shift in their approach to spending under chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. The Winter Meetings, beginning Monday in Orlando, are expected to be a busy period for the team as they explore various trade options.
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