RED SOX GET CARDINALS' CONTRERAS
The Boston Red Sox acquired first baseman Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals for pitchers Hunter Dobbins, Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox bring in an impact-hitting first baseman in Contreras. The 33-year-old will be a veteran presence in a fairly young Boston lineup. Injuries have been an issue in recent years, but Contreras had just one stint on the IL in 2025 and hit .257 with 20 HR and 80 RBI in 135 games. There's a good chance he could manage more than that in 2026 if he stays healthy and hits in the middle of the Red Sox order.
What does it give the St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are retooling, and they get out of Contreras' contract while adding some young pitchers here. Dobbins debuted for Boston to a 4.13 ERA in 13 games (11 starts) last season. He might not have a lot of upside but could develop into a serviceable MLB pitcher. Fajardo and Aita are both younger right-handers. They were not highly ranked prospects in Boston's organization, but they will add more potential to St. Louis' prospect pool.
Fantasy impact
Contreras should get a significant boost from this trade. Boston may rely on him to drive in runs in the heart of the order, and as a right-handed hitter he could thrive playing home games at Fenway Park. He is injury prone, so do not overrate him, but Contreras could be in for a big 2026 season. As for the trio of Cardinals pitchers, only Dobbins should see MLB innings this season. He may not do enough to earn interest in fantasy leagues, so wait and see on him.
