Contreras unlikely to approve trade out of Boston: 'I found my family here'

PHILADELPHIA – Willson Contreras waived his no-trade clause to come to the Red Sox from the Cardinals just before Christmas, and it’s a decision he hasn’t regretted once.

The no-trade rights transferred over to the Red Sox, but Contreras loves his current situation so much that he doesn’t sound like he would accept a move out of Boston in advance of the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline.

As perhaps a preemptive strike, even before the Red Sox completed their 14-2 run leading into the All-Star break that got them within a half-game of an AL Wild Card spot, Contreras told the front office he doesn’t want to leave.

Contreras didn’t flat out tell Boston’s brass he would refuse a trade, but he made his intentions clear enough.

“The front office knows the answer. I already spoke [to them] about it, but I don't think I'm interested in going anywhere,” said Contreras. “I didn’t [directly] say, ‘Don’t ask me for a trade.’ But I told them I would trade something to stay here. That’s what I said. I like Boston. I think it’s a great place to play, and it's not easy to get traded again. So, I think I found my family here.”

Boston isn’t for everyone. But Contreras has found a city of passionate fans who pack Fenway Park every night, and he believes the pressure of the Red Sox experience has brought out the best in him. The numbers (20 homers, .921 OPS in 88 games) demonstrate the fit, as Contreras is enjoying his first All-Star appearance since 2022 (and fourth overall) and seems en route to a career year at 34 years old.

Trading Contreras wouldn’t seem to be all that appealing an option for the Red Sox anyway. He has been their best hitter in a lineup that lacks power. Also, he is signed for 2027 with a reasonable club option ($17.5 million) for ‘28.

“Boston is different, to be honest. I love Chicago, won a championship with [the Cubs]. It will always be in my heart,” said Contreras. “I played for the Cardinals. But Boston is different. If it was my choice, it was my pick, I would finish my career here. I feel the love from the fans. I've been getting a lot of messages – positive – from them, and I really appreciate them.”

One of the few veterans on a young Red Sox team, Contreras is excited about the chance to continue to nurture the core going forward.

“I like challenges. I like the team. I love my guys. I love my teammates and I don’t want to leave them,” Contreras said. “They're great people, and that's what I appreciate the most. And like I said, every day they show up to the clubhouse, they're willing to listen. They're willing to learn, and that's why I went ahead and said something [to the front office].”

It didn’t take long for Contreras to approve the trade that turned him into Boston’s starting first baseman and cleanup hitter.

“I didn't hesitate. I was like, 'Give me, like, two minutes.’ I went through the roster and went through the whole system and I was good,” said Contreras. “I spoke to a few players and I was like, ‘Cool. I'm gonna waive my no-trade clause.’ Boston is a really great organization historically.

“And when I grew up, I used to watch Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Tim Wakefield, Curt Schilling, and it's amazing just to be there and play on the field where they played.”

Moving from catcher to first base in his final season in St. Louis was the start of something Contreras feels can be transformative for his career. And then the trade to Boston made everything come together for the right-handed masher.

“I still feel young. I still feel like, 25, 26 years old,” Contreras said. “Playing first base is way easier on your body. It’s not an easy position to play either, because you have to know the angles, you have to know who’s fast, who is slow. And you have to make the plays. But it’s helped me. I’m happy I accepted the challenge to go to first base and hopefully I put my career in a good place.”