It sounds like we may be able to cross Willson Contreras off the Boston Red Sox’ list of potential trade candidates.
Ahead of Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia, Contreras told reporters that he spoke to the Red Sox front office about his desire to stay in Boston. Contreras’ contract includes a no-trade clause.
“I said, ‘I would trade something to stay here,'” Contreras said, via WEEI’s Rob Bradford. “I like it here, I like Boston. It’s a great place to play. And it’s not easy to get traded again, so I think I’ve found my family here.”
Contreras also expressed his desire to stay in Boston on Monday.
“Boston to me has been the best,” he said, per the Section 10 Podcast. “I told them too. I was like, man, just leave me here. I wanna stay here.”
It’s worth noting that Contreras would receive an additional $1 million for waiving his no-trade clause. The 34-year-old is currently under contract for $18.05 million this season and $17 million for 2027 with a $20 million player option for 2028.
Contreras has been the Red Sox’ MVP so far in 2026, leading the club in home runs (20), RBI (61), and OPS (.921). The veteran first baseman has also brought an emotional spark to the field and inside the clubhouse with his fiery passion and playstyle.
If the Red Sox parted ways with Contreras, it would leave a massive hole at first base and in the middle of their lineup. Their offense ranks near the bottom of the league in nearly every major category, so moving their biggest bat wouldn’t make much sense unless they’re planning a tear-it-down rebuild.
Boston entered the All-Star break on a nine-game win streak and only a half-game out of the third American League Wild Card spot, so it’s starting to look like it could be buy ahead of the deadline. Its upcoming four-game series against the first-place Tampa Bay Rays, followed by series against the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays, will likely determine its deadline strategy.
The 2026 MLB trade deadline is set for Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. ET.
