What might a Contreras trade look like?

[Shady]

C'mon Shady. I have a quality post loaded to go, just waiting on you. How would you answer some of the questions you have posed?

I'm not sure which teams Contreras would accept a trade to. Are you ? You must have an idea if you have a "quality post loaded". Go for it.

Only Willson knows for sure. After you.

Teams that might possibly be looking for help at 1B. From my source, "Clubs like the Pirates, Twins, Nationals, Guardians, and Diamondbacks are among those most likely seeking upgrades or depth at the position".

[Talkin' Baseball]

C'mon Shady. I have a quality post loaded to go, just waiting on you. How would you answer some of the questions you have posed?

I'm not sure which teams Contreras would accept a trade to. Are you ? You must have an idea if you have a "quality post loaded". Go for it.

Only Willson knows for sure. After you.

Teams that might possibly be looking for help at 1B. From my source, "Clubs like the Pirates, Twins, Nationals, Guardians, and Diamondbacks are among those most likely seeking upgrades or depth at the position".

Of those, which ones might Willson agree to go to, how much money would the Cardinals send, and who might we want back?

[Shady]

C'mon Shady. I have a quality post loaded to go, just waiting on you. How would you answer some of the questions you have posed?

I'm not sure which teams Contreras would accept a trade to. Are you ? You must have an idea if you have a "quality post loaded". Go for it.

Only Willson knows for sure. After you.

Teams that might possibly be looking for help at 1B. From my source, "Clubs like the Pirates, Twins, Nationals, Guardians, and Diamondbacks are among those most likely seeking upgrades or depth at the position".

Of those, which ones might Willson agree to go to, how much money would the Cardinals send, and who might we want back?

Frankly, I don't see any of those teams being attractive to Contreras.

[Talkin' Baseball]

C'mon Shady. I have a quality post loaded to go, just waiting on you. How would you answer some of the questions you have posed?

I'm not sure which teams Contreras would accept a trade to. Are you ? You must have an idea if you have a "quality post loaded". Go for it.

Only Willson knows for sure. After you.

Teams that might possibly be looking for help at 1B. From my source, "Clubs like the Pirates, Twins, Nationals, Guardians, and Diamondbacks are among those most likely seeking upgrades or depth at the position".

Of those, which ones might Willson agree to go to, how much money would the Cardinals send, and who might we want back?

Frankly, I don't see any of those teams being attractive to Contreras.

Then what might a trade for Contreras look like?

[NYCardsFan]

C'mon Shady. I have a quality post loaded to go, just waiting on you. How would you answer some of the questions you have posed?

I'm not sure which teams Contreras would accept a trade to. Are you ? You must have an idea if you have a "quality post loaded". Go for it.

Only Willson knows for sure. After you.

Teams that might possibly be looking for help at 1B. From my source, "Clubs like the Pirates, Twins, Nationals, Guardians, and Diamondbacks are among those most likely seeking upgrades or depth at the position".

Of those, which ones might Willson agree to go to, how much money would the Cardinals send, and who might we want back?

Frankly, I don't see any of those teams being attractive to Contreras.

Again, for the sake of "good hot stove talk," assume Contreras would accept all of them. Now, go ahead and respond to TB's question and educate us on what you would propose.

[rage-STL]

Texas Rangers receive:
Willson Contreras - 1B/DH
Nolan Arrenado - 3B
$15M cash

St Louis Cardinals receive:
Josh Jung - 3B
Kumar Rocker - RHP
David Davalillo - RHP (#7 prospect)

Full disclosure; I have no idea if this is a realistic trade proposal, but someone had to throw something out there

[Mort Gage]

C'mon Shady. I have a quality post loaded to go, just waiting on you. How would you answer some of the questions you have posed?

I'm not sure which teams Contreras would accept a trade to. Are you ? You must have an idea if you have a "quality post loaded". Go for it.

Only Willson knows for sure. After you.

Teams that might possibly be looking for help at 1B. From my source, "Clubs like the Pirates, Twins, Nationals, Guardians, and Diamondbacks are among those most likely seeking upgrades or depth at the position".

Of those, which ones might Willson agree to go to, how much money would the Cardinals send, and who might we want back?

Frankly, I don't see any of those teams being attractive to Contreras.

Again, for the sake of "good hot stove talk," assume Contreras would accept all of them. Now, go ahead and respond to TB's question and educate us on what you would propose.

Those pesky details are for others to fill in. He's more of a "big picture" guy. Then if a reasonable trade is proposed he will claim it as his own for future threads. And, as always, he desperately wants Contreras gone so his hero gets 1B. I think he's deluded himself into believing he can will it into action.

[Shady]

C'mon Shady. I have a quality post loaded to go, just waiting on you. How would you answer some of the questions you have posed?

I'm not sure which teams Contreras would accept a trade to. Are you ? You must have an idea if you have a "quality post loaded". Go for it.

Only Willson knows for sure. After you.

Teams that might possibly be looking for help at 1B. From my source, "Clubs like the Pirates, Twins, Nationals, Guardians, and Diamondbacks are among those most likely seeking upgrades or depth at the position".

Of those, which ones might Willson agree to go to, how much money would the Cardinals send, and who might we want back?

Frankly, I don't see any of those teams being attractive to Contreras.

Then what might a trade for Contreras look like?

I understand the Yankees might be interested in trading for Contreras. If Contreras would be interested. Maybe Bloom should inquire about getting either Dominguez or Jones in return. If they turn down a 1 for 1. Which they probably would. Then see if they would be interested in the Cardinals paying a certain part of Contreras' remaining salary. Or maybe offer Arenado and some salary relief as part of a deal.

[NYCardsFan]

C'mon Shady. I have a quality post loaded to go, just waiting on you. How would you answer some of the questions you have posed?

I'm not sure which teams Contreras would accept a trade to. Are you ? You must have an idea if you have a "quality post loaded". Go for it.

Only Willson knows for sure. After you.

Teams that might possibly be looking for help at 1B. From my source, "Clubs like the Pirates, Twins, Nationals, Guardians, and Diamondbacks are among those most likely seeking upgrades or depth at the position".

Of those, which ones might Willson agree to go to, how much money would the Cardinals send, and who might we want back?

Frankly, I don't see any of those teams being attractive to Contreras.

Again, for the sake of "good hot stove talk," assume Contreras would accept all of them. Now, go ahead and respond to TB's question and educate us on what you would propose.

Those pesky details are for others to fill in. He's more of a "big picture" guy. Then if a reasonable trade is proposed he will claim it as his own for future threads. And, as always, he desperately wants Contreras gone so his hero gets 1B. I think he's deluded himself into believing he can will it into action.

Well, as he informed everyone in another thread, he is “seeking solutions” to make the Cardinals competitive in 2026, so apparently he believes he has a following on Clark Street.

[Shady]

Texas Rangers receive:
Willson Contreras - 1B/DH
Nolan Arrenado - 3B
$15M cash

St Louis Cardinals receive:
Josh Jung - 3B
Kumar Rocker - RHP
David Davalillo - RHP (#7 prospect)

Full disclosure; I have no idea if this is a realistic trade proposal, but someone had to throw something out there

That's an interesting, creative proposal. That might be the kind of proposal that could get the Yankees interested in making a deal returning an outfielder and pitcher to the Cardinals.

[Talkin' Baseball]

C'mon Shady. I have a quality post loaded to go, just waiting on you. How would you answer some of the questions you have posed?

I'm not sure which teams Contreras would accept a trade to. Are you ? You must have an idea if you have a "quality post loaded". Go for it.

Only Willson knows for sure. After you.

Teams that might possibly be looking for help at 1B. From my source, "Clubs like the Pirates, Twins, Nationals, Guardians, and Diamondbacks are among those most likely seeking upgrades or depth at the position".

Of those, which ones might Willson agree to go to, how much money would the Cardinals send, and who might we want back?

Frankly, I don't see any of those teams being attractive to Contreras.

Then what might a trade for Contreras look like?

I understand the Yankees might be interested in trading for Contreras. If Contreras would be interested. Maybe Bloom should inquire about getting either Dominguez or Jones in return. If they turn down a 1 for 1. Which they probably would. Then see if they would be interested in the Cardinals paying a certain part of Contreras' remaining salary. Or maybe offer Arenado and some salary relief as part of a deal.

Thanks Shady.
I’ll start with this; I am aware of what BTV says about Willson’s contract, and I disagree. I’ve outlined the details of that in other posts. I won’t go into all of that today unless someone wants me to. The Contreras contract in my view is about even, meaning it is a good reflection of how the marketplace values that type of production at that position. You can move a contract like that without taking on the money if that is your goal, but you get little in return if that is the route you take. The more money you take on, the better the player return is.

I have no idea geographically, or by ballpark, where Willson Contreras wants to play, so I’ll just assume his primary constraint is that he would only go to a contender. Which contenders need a first baseman? The San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, and still the New York Mets.

What the Padres, Rangers, and Diamondbacks have in common is that they are trying to build a contender while also cutting their overall payroll. Footing the bill for some of Willson’s salary would have huge appeal for them. All 5 teams might also have a level of interest in Contreras as a backup catcher.

I’m assuming from the Cardinals point of view this is not a straight salary dump. Yes, they would be glad for the financial relief, but they are equally interested in getting a player(s) back who could help them at some point. I’m going to suggest they kick in 5M next season and 5M the following season, so the receiving team pays 13M this season, 13.5M next, and a 5M buyout if they want out after that.
Padres- They are going to have trouble swinging this. They seem like they are trying to trade players already that they like and need, just to save money. Their system is already barren. If they were willing to take that much of the contract I would be looking for left-handed pitcher Kash Mayfield or infielder Kale Fountain.

Rangers- I would ask for right-handers Cade Scarborough and Alejandro Rosario. Rosario won’t pitch this season as he recovers from TJ surgery.
Diamondbacks- I don’t find a prospect that would match up well with Contreras.
Mets and Red Sox- They have prospects, but I don’t know which ones would be a good return for Contreras.

Best fit- Texas. Their window will close soon. They have enough money to pay the contract, enough interesting pitchers to make it happen, and enough competitive fire to pull the trigger.

Alejandro Rosario #6
Rosario operated at 94-98 mph and reached 100 with his fastball in 2024, and he found more success blasting it by hitters at the letters in pro ball than he did sinking it down in the zone in college. His 88-92 mph splitter was a swing-and-miss pitch with devastating tumble and run at its best last year. He has scrapped the curveball and cutter he toyed with at Miami to focus on an 83-85 mph slider that shows flashes of giving him a third plus offering.

After Rosario turned pro, the Rangers moved him to the third-base side of the rubber and had him keep his delivery closed longer to hide the ball better from hitters. He also creates some deception with his flat approach angle and his new mechanics have allowed him to pound the strike zone after he battled his control and command with the Hurricanes. Before he got hurt, he once again looked like the pitcher who intrigued scouts in high school and has the upside of a frontline starter.

Cade Scarborough #8
Very much a work in progress, Scarborough can touch 96 mph with his fastball in the first inning and then top out at 93 in the second. If he adds velocity as expected once he fills out his lanky 6-foot-5 frame, he could have a special heater because his mechanics create a great deal of carry and armside run. He entered pro ball with a soft mid-70s curveball that needs more power, and Texas had him focus instead on a low-80s slider last summer.

[Shady]

C'mon Shady. I have a quality post loaded to go, just waiting on you. How would you answer some of the questions you have posed?

I'm not sure which teams Contreras would accept a trade to. Are you ? You must have an idea if you have a "quality post loaded". Go for it.

Only Willson knows for sure. After you.

Teams that might possibly be looking for help at 1B. From my source, "Clubs like the Pirates, Twins, Nationals, Guardians, and Diamondbacks are among those most likely seeking upgrades or depth at the position".

Of those, which ones might Willson agree to go to, how much money would the Cardinals send, and who might we want back?

Frankly, I don't see any of those teams being attractive to Contreras.

Then what might a trade for Contreras look like?

I understand the Yankees might be interested in trading for Contreras. If Contreras would be interested. Maybe Bloom should inquire about getting either Dominguez or Jones in return. If they turn down a 1 for 1. Which they probably would. Then see if they would be interested in the Cardinals paying a certain part of Contreras' remaining salary. Or maybe offer Arenado and some salary relief as part of a deal.

Thanks Shady.
I’ll start with this; I am aware of what BTV says about Willson’s contract, and I disagree. I’ve outlined the details of that in other posts. I won’t go into all of that today unless someone wants me to. The Contreras contract in my view is about even, meaning it is a good reflection of how the marketplace values that type of production at that position. You can move a contract like that without taking on the money if that is your goal, but you get little in return if that is the route you take. The more money you take on, the better the player return is.

I have no idea geographically, or by ballpark, where Willson Contreras wants to play, so I’ll just assume his primary constraint is that he would only go to a contender. Which contenders need a first baseman? The San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, and still the New York Mets.

What the Padres, Rangers, and Diamondbacks have in common is that they are trying to build a contender while also cutting their overall payroll. Footing the bill for some of Willson’s salary would have huge appeal for them. All 5 teams might also have a level of interest in Contreras as a backup catcher.

I’m assuming from the Cardinals point of view this is not a straight salary dump. Yes, they would be glad for the financial relief, but they are equally interested in getting a player(s) back who could help them at some point. I’m going to suggest they kick in 5M next season and 5M the following season, so the receiving team pays 13M this season, 13.5M next, and a 5M buyout if they want out after that.
Padres- They are going to have trouble swinging this. They seem like they are trying to trade players already that they like and need, just to save money. Their system is already barren. If they were willing to take that much of the contract I would be looking for left-handed pitcher Kash Mayfield or infielder Kale Fountain.

Rangers- I would ask for right-handers Cade Scarborough and Alejandro Rosario. Rosario won’t pitch this season as he recovers from TJ surgery.
Diamondbacks- I don’t find a prospect that would match up well with Contreras.
Mets and Red Sox- They have prospects, but I don’t know which ones would be a good return for Contreras.

Best fit- Texas. Their window will close soon. They have enough money to pay the contract, enough interesting pitchers to make it happen, and enough competitive fire to pull the trigger.

Alejandro Rosario #6
Rosario operated at 94-98 mph and reached 100 with his fastball in 2024, and he found more success blasting it by hitters at the letters in pro ball than he did sinking it down in the zone in college. His 88-92 mph splitter was a swing-and-miss pitch with devastating tumble and run at its best last year. He has scrapped the curveball and cutter he toyed with at Miami to focus on an 83-85 mph slider that shows flashes of giving him a third plus offering.

After Rosario turned pro, the Rangers moved him to the third-base side of the rubber and had him keep his delivery closed longer to hide the ball better from hitters. He also creates some deception with his flat approach angle and his new mechanics have allowed him to pound the strike zone after he battled his control and command with the Hurricanes. Before he got hurt, he once again looked like the pitcher who intrigued scouts in high school and has the upside of a frontline starter.

Cade Scarborough #8
Very much a work in progress, Scarborough can touch 96 mph with his fastball in the first inning and then top out at 93 in the second. If he adds velocity as expected once he fills out his lanky 6-foot-5 frame, he could have a special heater because his mechanics create a great deal of carry and armside run. He entered pro ball with a soft mid-70s curveball that needs more power, and Texas had him focus instead on a low-80s slider last summer.

Good thoughts. Thanks. What about trying to get either Dominguez or Jones from the Yankees? How would you approach the Yankees about that regarding offering Contreras? I read that the Yankees might be interested Contreras as being a backup catcher.

[Talkin' Baseball]

C'mon Shady. I have a quality post loaded to go, just waiting on you. How would you answer some of the questions you have posed?

I'm not sure which teams Contreras would accept a trade to. Are you ? You must have an idea if you have a "quality post loaded". Go for it.

Only Willson knows for sure. After you.

Teams that might possibly be looking for help at 1B. From my source, "Clubs like the Pirates, Twins, Nationals, Guardians, and Diamondbacks are among those most likely seeking upgrades or depth at the position".

Of those, which ones might Willson agree to go to, how much money would the Cardinals send, and who might we want back?

Frankly, I don't see any of those teams being attractive to Contreras.

Then what might a trade for Contreras look like?

I understand the Yankees might be interested in trading for Contreras. If Contreras would be interested. Maybe Bloom should inquire about getting either Dominguez or Jones in return. If they turn down a 1 for 1. Which they probably would. Then see if they would be interested in the Cardinals paying a certain part of Contreras' remaining salary. Or maybe offer Arenado and some salary relief as part of a deal.

Thanks Shady.
I’ll start with this; I am aware of what BTV says about Willson’s contract, and I disagree. I’ve outlined the details of that in other posts. I won’t go into all of that today unless someone wants me to. The Contreras contract in my view is about even, meaning it is a good reflection of how the marketplace values that type of production at that position. You can move a contract like that without taking on the money if that is your goal, but you get little in return if that is the route you take. The more money you take on, the better the player return is.

I have no idea geographically, or by ballpark, where Willson Contreras wants to play, so I’ll just assume his primary constraint is that he would only go to a contender. Which contenders need a first baseman? The San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, and still the New York Mets.

What the Padres, Rangers, and Diamondbacks have in common is that they are trying to build a contender while also cutting their overall payroll. Footing the bill for some of Willson’s salary would have huge appeal for them. All 5 teams might also have a level of interest in Contreras as a backup catcher.

I’m assuming from the Cardinals point of view this is not a straight salary dump. Yes, they would be glad for the financial relief, but they are equally interested in getting a player(s) back who could help them at some point. I’m going to suggest they kick in 5M next season and 5M the following season, so the receiving team pays 13M this season, 13.5M next, and a 5M buyout if they want out after that.
Padres- They are going to have trouble swinging this. They seem like they are trying to trade players already that they like and need, just to save money. Their system is already barren. If they were willing to take that much of the contract I would be looking for left-handed pitcher Kash Mayfield or infielder Kale Fountain.

Rangers- I would ask for right-handers Cade Scarborough and Alejandro Rosario. Rosario won’t pitch this season as he recovers from TJ surgery.
Diamondbacks- I don’t find a prospect that would match up well with Contreras.
Mets and Red Sox- They have prospects, but I don’t know which ones would be a good return for Contreras.

Best fit- Texas. Their window will close soon. They have enough money to pay the contract, enough interesting pitchers to make it happen, and enough competitive fire to pull the trigger.

Alejandro Rosario #6
Rosario operated at 94-98 mph and reached 100 with his fastball in 2024, and he found more success blasting it by hitters at the letters in pro ball than he did sinking it down in the zone in college. His 88-92 mph splitter was a swing-and-miss pitch with devastating tumble and run at its best last year. He has scrapped the curveball and cutter he toyed with at Miami to focus on an 83-85 mph slider that shows flashes of giving him a third plus offering.

After Rosario turned pro, the Rangers moved him to the third-base side of the rubber and had him keep his delivery closed longer to hide the ball better from hitters. He also creates some deception with his flat approach angle and his new mechanics have allowed him to pound the strike zone after he battled his control and command with the Hurricanes. Before he got hurt, he once again looked like the pitcher who intrigued scouts in high school and has the upside of a frontline starter.

Cade Scarborough #8
Very much a work in progress, Scarborough can touch 96 mph with his fastball in the first inning and then top out at 93 in the second. If he adds velocity as expected once he fills out his lanky 6-foot-5 frame, he could have a special heater because his mechanics create a great deal of carry and armside run. He entered pro ball with a soft mid-70s curveball that needs more power, and Texas had him focus instead on a low-80s slider last summer.

Good thoughts. Thanks. What about trying to get either Dominguez or Jones from the Yankees? How would you approach the Yankees about that regarding offering Contreras?

I don't think you can touch either one of those guys for Contreras. Not even with including money.

[NYCardsFan]

Texas Rangers receive:
Willson Contreras - 1B/DH
Nolan Arrenado - 3B
$15M cash

St Louis Cardinals receive:
Josh Jung - 3B
Kumar Rocker - RHP
David Davalillo - RHP (#7 prospect)

Full disclosure; I have no idea if this is a realistic trade proposal, but someone had to throw something out there

That's an interesting, creative proposal. That might be the kind of proposal that could get the Yankees interested in making a deal returning an outfielder and pitcher to the Cardinals.

[Cranny]

Texas Rangers receive:
Willson Contreras - 1B/DH
Nolan Arrenado - 3B
$15M cash

St Louis Cardinals receive:
Josh Jung - 3B
Kumar Rocker - RHP
David Davalillo - RHP (#7 prospect)

Full disclosure; I have no idea if this is a realistic trade proposal, but someone had to throw something out there

That's an interesting, creative proposal. That might be the kind of proposal that could get the Yankees interested in making a deal returning an outfielder and pitcher to the Cardinals.

Constant put downs of other posters is petty and plebian.

[NYCardsFan]

Texas Rangers receive:
Willson Contreras - 1B/DH
Nolan Arrenado - 3B
$15M cash

St Louis Cardinals receive:
Josh Jung - 3B
Kumar Rocker - RHP
David Davalillo - RHP (#7 prospect)

Full disclosure; I have no idea if this is a realistic trade proposal, but someone had to throw something out there

That's an interesting, creative proposal. That might be the kind of proposal that could get the Yankees interested in making a deal returning an outfielder and pitcher to the Cardinals.

Constant put downs of other posters is petty and plebian.

I’m “criticizing the post, not the poster,” just like you sanctimoniously and hypocritically lectured us all to do.