Willson Contreras announces no-trade clause decision ahead of the trade deadline

The St. Louis Cardinals have already gotten active ahead of the trade deadline, but one of their key pieces has made it clear that he isn’t going anywhere.

First baseman Willson Contreras spoke with John Denton of MLB.com regarding the trade deadline. Specifically, Contreras was asked about his no-trade clause, and if he was planning to exercise it or not.

“I’m going to stay here,” Contreras told Denton. “I’m not going nowhere, I’m good here. I already talked to [GM John Mozeliak] earlier this week, and everything is still the same. It’s a business, and [Mozeliak] doesn’t seem like he wants to trade me. He said 'no' and I said 'no,' so we’re good.” 

Contreras’ announcement comes as good news for Cardinals fans. The three-time All-Star is hitting .259 with 14 home runs, 61 RBI’s and a .790 OPS this season. For a Cardinals team that is sitting at 55-55, and just outside the National League playoff picture, Contreras has remained a consistent force. 

The team has already traded away RHP Ryan Helsley, and RHP Erick Fedde. Additionally the Cardinals have been shopping around other players including RHP Sonny Gray, third baseman Nolan Arenado, and RHP Miles Mikolas. 

The moves made by the Cardinals suggest that the team may be ready to sell, so it wouldn’t be surprised to see St. Louis be even more active before Thursday’s trade deadline. Given the team’s underwhelming season, they’ll likely look to acquire younger pieces to help gear up for the future.