Per John Denton of MLB--Bloom looking to rid himself of the Contreras Contract

[Bully4you]

Now wants to trade Contreras, Arenado and Donovan.
Can you say Fire Sale.....
Incoming.

If he moves all these guys payroll might be lowest in the NL Central.

https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles ... 5_43136105

[C-Unit]

Duhh..

[Goldfan]

The best hitter on team???
The team leader???

Said the Gray and WC signings were stupid when they happened……One gone…..One soon gone.
More respect for Bloom as the days go by

[ramfandan]

Back on Sept. 27th I started a thread thst I felt Bloom would clean house this offseason. Several doubted he would. Thought he would move slowly.

This is no surprise to me.

[Ozziesfan41]

It makes sense bloom said the payroll would be about what it was last season and how much bloom has to spend would depends on how much payroll he has to shed so if he’s able to dump all of those contracts and save money that gives him a lot of money to spend to make multiple signings to address multiple holes

[ramfandan]

Interesting to read the Denton blurb as two days ago I started a thread titled

Still think door not completely closed on Contreras playing elsewhere in 2026

Remembering back when Bloom reported that he had talked with all three players with No Trade Clauses . The story on Contreras primarily
focused on WillyCon stating how he would like to stay with the Cardinals but less attention was given to the fact that Bloom had apparently told Contreras that he hoped Contreras would keep an open mind to being traded. Contreras said he would do that and I think also stated that he realized this is a business.
Seemed to be from that orginal article that Bloom was planting the seed that he really was thinking the best thing for the Cardinals may be to move Contreras (with his 2 years left on his deal ). At least that is how I interpreted it .

That's why I always felt that Bloom would like to move Contreras if possible if a decent deal came along this winter or spring. I still do .

[dugoutrex]

Back on Sept. 27th I started a thread thst I felt Bloom would clean house this offseason. Several doubted he would. Thought he would move slowly.

This is no surprise to me.

at least the Rams are f'ing good!

[HorseTrader]

Trading him makes sense. One opens up 1st for Burly with other possiblities being Gorman (if Arenado is traded and JJ takes 3rd) or Ivan if he fails as a catcher. Cuts payroll and brings in some kind of prospect.

[ecleme22]

Now wants to trade Contreras, Arenado and Donovan.
Can you say Fire Sale.....
Incoming.

If he moves all these guys payroll might be lowest in the NL Central.

https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles ... 5_43136105

Rid himself of the contact? Partly.


But more so, it’s similar to trading Donovan. A vet w 2 years left who 1) doesn’t fit the timeline and 2) can get you prospect(s).

[mattmitchl44]

Now wants to trade Contreras, Arenado and Donovan.
Can you say Fire Sale.....
Incoming.

If he moves all these guys payroll might be lowest in the NL Central.

https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles ... 5_43136105

Rid himself of the contact? Partly.

But more so, it’s similar to trading Donovan. A vet w 2 years left who 1) doesn’t fit the timeline and 2) can get you prospect(s).

Yeah, I didn't see the link say "rid himself of contract." I read could "get a good return" for trading him.

[ramfandan]

It makes sense bloom said the payroll would be about what it was last season and how much bloom has to spend would depends on how much payroll he has to shed so if he’s able to dump all of those contracts and save money that gives him a lot of money to spend to make multiple signings to address multiple holes

The other part of this besides the payroll savings is that by trading Gray and now possibly Contreras (Donovan probably too ), Bloom gets his maximum player return by moving them now. Wily Con has 2 years remaining on his deal . Prospect return is better than if they hold on to him til after 2026 season. Get the most for Contreras now is my thinking. After all if Bloom is rebuilding , rebuild with the best possible talent you can receive.

[billybaseball]

If Boras tries to get an inflated deal for Alonso, teams could pivot to Contreras. Don't know what the value would be exactly but I'd imagine the Cardinals could get a good package. Wonder if they are going to be looking for some CB draft picks or international bonus money. Adding some picks to the 2026 draft would be nice. And they are predicted to be spending big on a top 10 international prospect both this year and next so some extra bonus money would be very useful.

[ramfandan]

If Boras tries to get an inflated deal for Alonso, teams could pivot to Contreras. Don't know what the value would be exactly but I'd imagine the Cardinals could get a good package. Wonder if they are going to be looking for some CB draft picks or international bonus money. Adding some picks to the 2026 draft would be nice. And they are predicted to be spending big on a top 10 international prospect both this year and next so some extra bonus money would be very useful.

Exactly , good post ! Contreras has a good right-handed power bat for someone seeking some pop from the right side of the plate. In additionally, Contreras showed in 2025 that he plays a pretty decent 1st base defensively . He can ''pick ' the low throws pretty well and quite flexible on the 'splits'when stretching out for throws.

[ecleme22]

Now wants to trade Contreras, Arenado and Donovan.
Can you say Fire Sale.....
Incoming.

If he moves all these guys payroll might be lowest in the NL Central.

https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles ... 5_43136105

Rid himself of the contact? Partly.

But more so, it’s similar to trading Donovan. A vet w 2 years left who 1) doesn’t fit the timeline and 2) can get you prospect(s).

Yeah, I didn't see the link say "rid himself of contract." I read could "get a good return" for trading him.

Right.

The only ‘ridding of contract’ might be NA.

If they were consumed w shedding money, they would’ve traded Sonny to Boston for nothing—-and would’ve had to send over only a fraction of cash to Boston.

Bloom is trying to accumulate prospects in a rebuild. I’m sure the org and coaches love WC and his production/leadership. But that’s not the plan.

[TraveledLessRoad]

I sort of wonder if trading Donovan is predicated on whether/if they can move some of these more veteran, high salary guys like Gray, Nado, Willy. What I mean by this is; they have to keep some kind of veteran leadership in that clubhouse. They've already moved Sonny...if they can move Nado and Willy, then I almost wonder if that makes it MORE likely that they keep Donovan and potentially extend him. Regardless, this offseason is already kind of fun

[Ozziesfan41]

I sort of wonder if trading Donovan is predicated on whether/if they can move some of these more veteran, high salary guys like Gray, Nado, Willy. What I mean by this is; they have to keep some kind of veteran leadership in that clubhouse. They've already moved Sonny...if they can move Nado and Willy, then I almost wonder if that makes it MORE likely that they keep Donovan and potentially extend him. Regardless, this offseason is already kind of fun

I think it’s more likely bloom has a high asking price for Donovan and knows what he’s wants if someone meets it he trades him if not then he will shift gears and trade Gorman he’s doing the smart thing and selling high on Donovan but if no one is willing to pay high for him then he will keep him which is also smart