“Red Sox got fleeced”; “W trade” - Fans divided as Boston acquires Willson Contreras in trade with Cardinals

The Boston Red Sox have reportedly acquired veteran slugger Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade. The three-time All-Star hit 20 home runs and drove in 80 runs for St. Louis in 2025.

In exchange, the Cardinals received right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins, along with minor league pitchers, including Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita, from Boston. ESPN's Jeff Passan reported the trade on X, paving the way for fans to comment.

"Red Sox got fleeced," one fan commented. "W trade," another fan wrote. "LMAOOO BOSTON ATE 30+ OF THIS CONTRACT LMAOOOK," one fan reacted. "The Cardinals really saw the Sonny Gray trade and said, 'Let’s just become the Red Sox' official AAA affiliate at this point'. We’re one more trade away from just swapping jerseys," one fan joked.

Some fans believe the Red Sox were made a fool out of this trade.

"St. Louis paying $8M to facilitate the exit is just the cost of liquidity. They liquidated a toxic asset to acquire three low-cost call options (prospects). Boston is effectively underwriting bad debt for a fee. This is a balance sheet restructuring disguised as a trade," one fan commented. "Seems like the Red Sox got robbed here," one fan added.

How Willson Contreras fits for the Red Sox?

In Willson Contreras, the Red Sox have jolted their lineup with a proven bat and middle-of-the-order power. Last season, he slashed .257/.344/.447, which is above-average slugging.

Contreras has been a catcher, but last season the Cardinals made him a full-time first baseman. He adapted to the new position quickly, posting positively in terms of defensive runs saved. Thus, the Red Sox have the option to start him at first base, where they have struggled over the last few years.

Contreras will be under team control through 2027 and there is a club option for the 2028 season. Contreras' right-handed bat plays well to Fenway Park's unconventional dimensions favoring the right-handed pull hitters.

Moreover, the three-time All-Star brings his experience and veteran leadership to the group which doesn't have many players to look upto.

Edited by Krutik Jain