WillyC wants to stay here per J. Hayes

[rockondlouie]

Per The Cat today

WillyC has spoken to C. Bloom and told him he "likes a challenge" and wants to stay.

If Bloom found a trade that benefits both sides, then he'd listen.

But sounds like Willy's not going to waive and will be here in 2026.

[Goldfan]

Has he gone through a psych evaluation???

[MIDMOBIRDTWO]

He needs to be gone too.

[Mort Gage]

He's owed $41.5 million the next two years, including the buyout. If he were a FA I couldn't see any anyone paying him that for his age 34-35 seasons. So he'll probably stay unless the Cards pay a significant portion.

[musicman]

He signed that big contract for playing catcher.If he's playing first,isn't he way over-paid?

[Braund241]

Has he gone through a psych evaluation???

No kidding. Doesn’t like pressure? Why would you want to play for an organization that doesn’t care when your time is limited. Would have to question his desire!

[dugoutrex]

worth every penny - best player on the team!

[blackinkbiz]

Has he gone through a psych evaluation???

No kidding. Doesn’t like pressure? Why would you want to play for an organization that doesn’t care when your time is limited. Would have to question his desire!

He already said this a couple months ago. Said he already got his ring with the Cubs and nothing's likely to top that and he'd like to be a mentor to the younger kids. However, he also said yesterday he understands it's business and if he can be moved to a desirable situation he's open to that.

[alw80]

Gee thanks Will.

[Melville]

He signed that big contract for playing catcher.If he's playing first,isn't he way over-paid?

He is basically a top 20-25 hitter in the NL (OPS/OBP/RBI)
He has proven himself to be an above average 1b glove.
He is owed 18M each of the next 2 seasons.
No - he is not overpaid.
His contract is below market value.

[CrazyForMyRedbirdsInLA]

I think it's refreshing a player wants to stay in StL so much. He's not hurting our budget since we're shedding massive budget once Nado and Gray are traded and Mikolas leaves, and we won't be spending on FA's, so who cares, let him stay and mentor. I think this is a good thing, makes me like him more

[ecleme22]

I think it's refreshing a player wants to stay in StL so much. He's not hurting our budget since we're shedding massive budget once Nado and Gray are traded and Mikolas leaves, and we won't be spending on FA's, so who cares, let him stay and mentor. I think this is a good thing, makes me like him more

(Applause)

[ForumPolice]

I think it's refreshing a player wants to stay in StL so much. He's not hurting our budget since we're shedding massive budget once Nado and Gray are traded and Mikolas leaves, and we won't be spending on FA's, so who cares, let him stay and mentor. I think this is a good thing, makes me like him more

Mentor? Who blossomed under his mentorship this year? He's staying here because he can cash his checks until retirement with zero pressure or expectations to win.

Does absolutely nothing positive for this team while it's rebuilding and takes up a roster spot that should be taken by someone, anyone, under the age of 30

[KeeptheRamsinSTL]

Per The Cat today

WillyC has spoken to C. Bloom and told him he "likes a challenge" and wants to stay.

If Bloom found a trade that benefits both sides, then he'd listen.

But sounds like Willy's not going to waive and will be here in 2026.

I wonder if Contreras likes that he isn't playing catcher any longer. A lot of teams would move him back behind the plate. At his age he might not want that.

Contreras only has a full no trade clause for 2026. After next season he can turn in a list of the 10 teams that he wants to block a trade to. Bloom should ask Contreras for the top teams that he would be interested in going to. Maybe Contreras would waive his no trade if he was able to go to his top 2 or 3 teams that he would be interested in since he knows in 2027 he could end up with some teams that he doesn't want to get traded to.

[Melville]

I think it's refreshing a player wants to stay in StL so much. He's not hurting our budget since we're shedding massive budget once Nado and Gray are traded and Mikolas leaves, and we won't be spending on FA's, so who cares, let him stay and mentor. I think this is a good thing, makes me like him more

(Applause)

Indeed.
W/C says he wants to be a leader.
Exact opposite of what Goldschmidt and N/A said.
Zero question that is what the organization needs.
But there is a valid question.
How much is another team willing to give STL in exchange?

[renostl]

I think it's refreshing a player wants to stay in StL so much. He's not hurting our budget since we're shedding massive budget once Nado and Gray are traded and Mikolas leaves, and we won't be spending on FA's, so who cares, let him stay and mentor. I think this is a good thing, makes me like him more

There are more hurdles to deal Gray than there are WC or NA.
Gray and the ridiculously back loaded contract looks almost impossible to deal. $40 million?
Cards can use pitching and will be looking for more. I don't know they will look for 1B or 3B
even if WC and NA were moved.