The MLB offseason is in full swing, and the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox have already made significant moves to bolster their rosters. The Red Sox have acquired first baseman Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for a trio of young pitchers, while the White Sox have landed Japanese outfielder Masaki Murakami. In this article, we'll break down the details of these deals and what they mean for the teams involved.
The Red Sox have been searching for a solution at first base since Adrian Gonzalez left the team in the early 2010s. After Triston Casas failed to live up to expectations, the team turned to Contreras, who has been a model of consistency over the past four seasons. With an OPS+ of 126, 123, 138, and 123, Contreras has proven himself to be a reliable hitter. However, he is entering his age-34 season, which raises concerns about his potential decline.
Contreras' bat speed and hard-hit rate remain strong, but his walk rate has decreased and his strikeout rate has increased over the past two seasons. While he may not fall off a cliff, his best days are likely behind him.
The Red Sox grade for this deal is a B. While Contreras is a solid hitter, the team gave up only one player who was likely to contribute in 2026. Hunter Dobbins, the pitcher sent to the Cardinals, has some utility as a back-end starter but was down the depth chart in the rotation. The Red Sox also receive $8 million in the deal, which helps to offset the cost of Contreras' contract.
The Cardinals grade for this deal is also a B. While they may not have received a huge haul for Contreras, they did get a pitcher with some potential in Dobbins. With six years of team control, Dobbins could be a valuable asset for the Cardinals in the future. The team is essentially dumping a declining veteran for a young pitcher who could contribute to their rotation for years to come.
The Cardinals' return may not excite fans, but it's a sensible move given Contreras' contract and declining value. As ESPN MLB expert David Schoenfield notes, "The Cardinals are getting a pitcher who could be a fourth starter, and that's not a bad thing. Dobbins has some upside, and he's under team control for six years."
The Red Sox still have some work to do this offseason, particularly at third base and second base. Alex Bregman is a potential target, but the team may also consider other options. With Marcelo Mayer likely to start at one of the two positions, the Red Sox will need to find a way to fill the other spot. The acquisition of Contreras is a good start, but it's only the beginning of what promises to be a busy offseason.
In conclusion, the Red Sox and Cardinals have made sensible moves that address their respective needs. The Red Sox have acquired a solid hitter in Contreras, while the Cardinals have dumped a declining veteran for a young pitcher with potential. As the offseason continues to heat up, it will be interesting to see what other moves these teams make to bolster their rosters.
Stay tuned for more analysis and updates on the 2025-26 MLB offseason. ESPN MLB experts Bradford Doolittle and David Schoenfield will be providing in-depth analysis and grades for every major signing and trade this winter. Check back regularly for the latest news and updates.
Original: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Written by Npsports
