Red Sox's 'unlikely' trade candidate named potential target for Mets

The Boston Red Sox are well outside the postseason race in the American League and are running out of time to make a change. 

The same can be said about the New York Mets. 

Both clubs may be sellers at this year's trade deadline, though the Red Sox may be hesitant to trade one of their top hitters. 

Regardless, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand listed the Mets as a potential landing spot for Boston's slugger with 16 home runs and an .898 OPS. 

"Any blame that can be assigned for Boston’s disappointing season can’t be sent in [Willson] Contreras’ direction," Feinsand wrote. "The slugger has been one of the bright lights for the Red Sox in 2026." 

The Mets have had an obvious need at first base ever since Pete Alonso left the organization this past offseason to sign with the Baltimore Orioles. 

But Contreras controls his future career direction. 

"Of course, that will also be his call in the end -- he has full no-trade rights for the rest of this year," Feinsand added about Contreras' contract situation. "For next season (and 2028, if his option is exercised), he will have limited no-trade rights, allowing him to block a trade to 10 teams annually." 

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Contreras has a $20 million club option for 2028. The struggling Red Sox may look to move as much payroll as possible for a rebuild, but they'll likely look to move impending free agents first. 

Expect to see Contreras in a Red Sox uniform past the All-Star break and deadline. A trade to the Mets seems unlikely. 

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