The St. Louis Cardinals appear to be entering a rebuilding phase this offseason. As part of that process, the team is likely to consider significant roster changes, though not every move fans are hoping for may come to fruition.
Veteran players Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado, and Willson Contreras are among those who could be on the trading block. Each has a no-trade clause in their contract, giving them the power to reject any proposed deal. However, that won’t necessarily stop the Cardinals from attempting to trade them this winter.
Josh Jacobs of Redbird Rants recently suggested the New York Mets could be one of the top suitors in a potential trade sweepstakes for Contreras.
Mets linked to offseason Willson Contreras trade
“If there is any clubhouse that needs a shake-up right now, it’s the New York Mets,” Jacobs wrote. “After coming into the 2025 season with a payroll well north of $300 million and signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking contract, the club somehow managed to blow their lead in the Wild Card race and get surpassed by the Cincinnati Reds.
“If Alonso leaves the Mets in free agency, Steve Cohen and David Sterns are going to have to get creative to replace his production. The Mets’ left-handed bats led the team in a big way this year, and outside of Alonso, they really lack a force from the right side. Contreras, while not the same level of hitter as Alonso, could be part of that solution as a lower-cost and fewer years of commitment.”
The Mets’ interest in adding a new first baseman largely hinges on the outcome of Pete Alonso’s free agency. With Alonso recently opting out and increasing buzz that he may sign elsewhere, the door could open for the Cardinals to send Willson Contreras — and his power bat — to New York as a potential replacement for the “Polar Bear.”
Regardless of whether it’s the Mets or another team, the Cardinals would benefit from moving Contreras this offseason. Trading him would help clear payroll and create opportunities for younger players in the lineup. Additionally, concerns about Contreras’ fiery demeanor possibly affecting clubhouse chemistry make a move even more sensible as the team enters a rebuild.
In short, dealing the three-time All-Star should be a priority for St. Louis this winter.
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