Reacting to the Cardinals' top 7 trade candidates ranking from MLBTR

Willson Contreras (#5 Cardinals trade candidate, #12 overall)

The only reason Willson Contreras could be this low on the list would be if there is a lack of willingness on his part to waive his no-trade clause. Otherwise, Contreras should be one of the top trade candidates this offseason in terms of trade value and the number of teams who could be interested.

Even if a team does not like Contreras as a catcher defensively, he has been one of the best hitters in baseball for years now. Since 2022, Contreras has posted a 133 wRC+, 19th among all-hitters in baseball. Over his last 136 games, Contreras has a 157 wRC+, eighth in all of baseball, and fourth among all right-handed bats. He is simply one of the best bats in baseball, and even if a club wants to DH him, he should provide massive value considering he is being paid just $18 million per year.

Contreras did make strides defensively this year, making improvements in his framing and pairing that with solid blocking and a great arm. He remains committed to improving that part of his game.

Teams could also move Contreras to first base or a corner outfield spot to give him defensive value and get his bat in the lineup every day. Honestly, if teams don't value Contreras as highly as I do, I think the Cardinals have to hold onto him, barring him requesting a trade.

But, if Contreras is open to a deal and teams are willing to send proper value for an elite bat, the Cardinals have to listen. He will be 33 years old in May, and while I believe he still has multiple great years ahead of him, the Cardinals are not looking to contend in 2025. That is already one more year of his prime that they are taking away from him in terms of competing, and that's not great for either party.

But if Contreras wants to stay, or especially if clubs are not paying up to the standard they should, then I'm banking on Contreras being a big bat for the Cardinals in 2026.

Adams mentioned the Padres, Blue Jays, Rays, and Guardians as clubs who could target Contreras, but I would add the likes of the Mariners, Tigers, Yankees, Giants, and Astros to that list as well. There are plenty of teams who need offense, and Contreras is probably the best bat available this offseason outside of Juan Soto.

Contreras, in my opinion, should be the third-ranked Cardinal on this list and the fourth-ranked player overall.