The St. Louis Cardinals’ offseason plans could swing in a few different directions, and it all hinges on just how bold the front office decides to get with the trade market. There is a chance the Braves could be part of their plans.
The team is reportedly looking to tighten up its payroll, and some major trades could be in the mix to achieve that goal. This brings us to one player on the Cardinals’ radar for a potential trade: Willson Contreras, whose name is once again popping up in connection with the Atlanta Braves after some recent roster moves.
Earlier this week, the Braves exercised designated hitter Marcell Ozuna’s option for 2025 while declining options on right-hander Luke Jackson and veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud. With d’Arnaud now a free agent, Atlanta has an open slot behind the plate, which could present a golden opportunity for a player like Contreras to head south.
While the Braves already have Sean Murphy in the starting role and a promising prospect in Drake Baldwin, Contreras would bring undeniable power and experience to their lineup—potentially even boosting Atlanta’s offensive firepower at a premium defensive position.
Contreras has racked up impressive numbers over his nine-year MLB career, hitting .258 with 152 home runs, 468 RBIs, and an OPS of .814. These stats and three All-Star nods have made him one of the more consistent offensive threats behind the plate. With a contract that runs through 2027 and a team option for 2028, the 31-year-old catcher’s $54.5 million price tag over the next three years is manageable but not light.
Given that Atlanta moved on from d’Arnaud partly to free up payroll, they may be hesitant to take on such a financial commitment. Yet, with Contreras, they would gain one of the best-hitting catchers in the game, which could make a big difference come October.
Now, the cost of acquiring Contreras wouldn’t be cheap. St. Louis would likely want a strong return, including top prospects, to justify trading their star catcher. But with its deep farm system, Atlanta could have the resources to assemble an appealing package if they decide Contreras is worth the investment.
While it’s tough to predict if this move will materialize, the Braves’ recent roster decisions leave an interesting opportunity for both teams. St. Louis could offload a big contract and focus on rebuilding with a leaner payroll, while Atlanta could bolster its lineup with one of the top offensive catchers in the league. It’ll be interesting to see if either team decides to make a move.
