The Boston Red Sox are acquiring first baseman Willson Contreras in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Sunday.
The 33-year-old Contreras, a three-time All-Star, hit .257 with a team-leading 20 home runs and 80 RBIs in 135 games for the Cardinals last season. The former catcher, who had a full no-trade clause in his contract, has two years left and is owed $36.5 million and a $5 million buyout for the 2028 season.
Boston is receiving $8 million from the Cardinals to cover part of his remaining salary, sources told ESPN.
Right-hander Hunter Dobbins is the headliner in the package going back to St. Louis for Contreras, sources told ESPN. The Cardinals also will be receiving minor league right-handers Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita.
Dobbins, 26, was 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 13 appearances (11 starts) during his rookie season with the Red Sox. He suffered a torn ACL in August after landing awkwardly when making a play while covering first base.
