MLB Rumors: Red Sox make bold Willson Contreras push as Yankees ramp up the pursuit of Cardinals top trade chip Jojo Romero

The Boston Red Sox continue to be linked with All-Star caliber hitters in the offseason despite failing to acquire either Kyle Schwarber or Pete Alonso in free agency.

St. Louis Cardinals infielder Willson Contreras is one of the latest names to be linked with the AL East franchise this winter. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Red Sox have shown interest in the three-time All-Star.

Contreras, who earned three All-Star selections as a catcher, transitioned to first base for the Cardinals last season and started 120 games in his new role. The 33-year-old slashed .257/.344/.447 with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs. However, his season ended early after he was placed on the injured list due to a right shoulder injury in September.

While the Red Sox are rumored to interested in the first baseman, Contreras has two years, $41 million with an option for a 2028 season left on his deal with the Cardinals. One of the potential hurdles for the Red Sox is the no-trade clause in Contreras' contract.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox's AL East rivals, the New York Yankees are interested in St. Louis Cardinals closer Jojo Romero, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Romero is heading into his final year of arbitration control and set to earn $4.4 million next season. The Yankees need to bolster the rotation this offseason with the departures of All-Star closer Devin Williams and Mark Leiter Jr., while Luke Weaver remains unsigned in free agency.

Red Sox reportedly pursuing Cardinals star amid links with former All-Star third baseman

The Red Sox's interest in Willson Contreras comes amid their rumored pursuit of Alex Bregman. Boston has prioritized the re-signing of the All-Star third baseman this offseason and has also been linked with move for Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ketel Marte.

Earlier in the offseason, the Red were reportedly pursuing Contreras' Cardinals teammate Brendan Donovan and Houston Astros infielder Isaac Paredes.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash