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You can probably see that I'm trying to figure out how Bloom can trade for an upgrade in the Cardinals outfield.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:37 pmI don't think you can touch either one of those guys for Contreras. Not even with including money.Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:36 pmGood 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?Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:27 pmThanks Shady.Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:22 pmI 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.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:01 pmThen what might a trade for Contreras look like?Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 14:53 pmFrankly, I don't see any of those teams being attractive to Contreras.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 14:44 pmOf those, which ones might Willson agree to go to, how much money would the Cardinals send, and who might we want back?Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 14:39 pmTeams 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 wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 14:07 pmOnly Willson knows for sure. After you.Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 14:01 pmI'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.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 13:24 pm 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’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.
A worthy endeavor. We need improvement. To get what we need there, we probably have to trade Donovan, Burleson, or Nootbaar.Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 16:34 pmYou can probably see that I'm trying to figure out how Bloom can trade for an upgrade in the Cardinals outfield.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:37 pmI don't think you can touch either one of those guys for Contreras. Not even with including money.Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:36 pmGood 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?Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:27 pmThanks Shady.Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:22 pmI 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.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:01 pmThen what might a trade for Contreras look like?Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 14:53 pmFrankly, I don't see any of those teams being attractive to Contreras.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 14:44 pmOf those, which ones might Willson agree to go to, how much money would the Cardinals send, and who might we want back?Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 14:39 pmTeams 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 wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 14:07 pmOnly Willson knows for sure. After you.Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 14:01 pmI'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.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 13:24 pm 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’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.
I feel one of the young catchers, Crooks or Bernal, might help get that outfield help in a trade.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 16:36 pmA worthy endeavor. We need improvement. To get what we need there, we probably have to trade Donovan, Burleson, or Nootbaar.Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 16:34 pmYou can probably see that I'm trying to figure out how Bloom can trade for an upgrade in the Cardinals outfield.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:37 pmI don't think you can touch either one of those guys for Contreras. Not even with including money.Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:36 pmGood 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?Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:27 pmThanks Shady.Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:22 pmI 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.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:01 pmThen what might a trade for Contreras look like?Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 14:53 pmFrankly, I don't see any of those teams being attractive to Contreras.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 14:44 pmOf those, which ones might Willson agree to go to, how much money would the Cardinals send, and who might we want back?Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 14:39 pmTeams 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".
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.
NYCardsFan wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 16:17 pmI’m “criticizing the post, not the poster,” just like you sanctimoniously and hypocritically lectured us all to do.Cranny wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 16:15 pmConstant put downs of other posters is petty and plebian.NYCardsFan wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 16:10 pmShady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:27 pmThat'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.rage-STL wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 15:13 pm 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
wow...you might have shut him up and I didnt think that was possible!Yehbut, Shady doesn't. So, he's fishing for ideas for a thread(s) he will regurgitate several times over the next day/week/month/year.sikeston bulldog2 wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 12:26 pmEvery team already knows this data; and huge amounts more about each and every player. There are no secrets at this point.Shady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 12:24 pmWhat are some teams that might have an oversupply of young outfielders? And could use a veteran 1B or even catcher. That's who I'd be contacting.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 11:36 am I share my trade outlooks pretty freely on here, and it's an interestng question, but this time you go first- what do you think a Contreras trade might look like?
He asked for your opinion/projection. What do you think a trade might look like? Include the team and the specific prospect/prospectsShady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 12:24 pmWhat are some teams that might have an oversupply of young outfielders? Including at the AAA level. And could use a veteran 1B or even a catcher. That's who I'd be contacting.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 11:36 am I share my trade outlooks pretty freely on here, and it's an interestng question, but this time you go first- what do you think a Contreras trade might look like?
In fairness, he mentioned the Yankees and either Dominguez or Spencer Jones.Adam2 wrote: ↑17 Dec 2025 08:57 amHe asked for your opinion/projection. What do you think a trade might look like? Include the team and the specific prospect/prospectsShady wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 12:24 pmWhat are some teams that might have an oversupply of young outfielders? Including at the AAA level. And could use a veteran 1B or even a catcher. That's who I'd be contacting.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑16 Dec 2025 11:36 am I share my trade outlooks pretty freely on here, and it's an interestng question, but this time you go first- what do you think a Contreras trade might look like?
I should have included the Guardians on my list of contenders needing a 1B. How about Contreras + 10M in return for Khal Stephen?
Wonder if Jace LaViolette is available.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑17 Dec 2025 11:10 amI should have included the Guardians on my list of contenders needing a 1B. How about Contreras + 10M in return for Khal Stephen?
See you have been hitting it hard Shady! Great thinking!Shady wrote: ↑17 Dec 2025 11:14 amWonder if Jace LaViolette is available.Talkin' Baseball wrote: ↑17 Dec 2025 11:10 amI should have included the Guardians on my list of contenders needing a 1B. How about Contreras + 10M in return for Khal Stephen?
