The New York Yankees are reportedly considering a high-stakes trade to bolster their roster this offseason. According to Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller, the team may be on the verge of acquiring 33-year-old first baseman Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Contreras, who has been a key player for the Cardinals in recent years, is now entering the final stages of his contract. With the Yankees already eyeing Paul Goldschmidt to fill their first-base void, adding Contreras would provide a veteran presence and potentially help stabilize the position.
Miller suggests that the Yankees' interest in Contreras stems from their history of targeting seasoned first basemen, often signing them mid-to-late in their careers. This strategy has proven successful in the past, with the team acquiring Anthony Rizzo in 2021, who served as a key contributor before signing Goldschmidt this year.
Contreras, while no longer an All-Star, still showed impressive form last season, slashing .257/.344/.447 and driving in 80 runs. Given his production, he could be a solid addition to the Yankees' lineup, especially if Boston Red Sox are also interested in acquiring him, which would give New York an upper hand in negotiations.
The trade would not only strengthen the Yankees' first base but also provide them with access to Contreras's remaining $41.5 million contract, which they could potentially use to bolster their pitching staff or other areas of need.
Contreras, who has been a key player for the Cardinals in recent years, is now entering the final stages of his contract. With the Yankees already eyeing Paul Goldschmidt to fill their first-base void, adding Contreras would provide a veteran presence and potentially help stabilize the position.
Miller suggests that the Yankees' interest in Contreras stems from their history of targeting seasoned first basemen, often signing them mid-to-late in their careers. This strategy has proven successful in the past, with the team acquiring Anthony Rizzo in 2021, who served as a key contributor before signing Goldschmidt this year.
Contreras, while no longer an All-Star, still showed impressive form last season, slashing .257/.344/.447 and driving in 80 runs. Given his production, he could be a solid addition to the Yankees' lineup, especially if Boston Red Sox are also interested in acquiring him, which would give New York an upper hand in negotiations.
The trade would not only strengthen the Yankees' first base but also provide them with access to Contreras's remaining $41.5 million contract, which they could potentially use to bolster their pitching staff or other areas of need.