Central STL News

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras has expressed openness to being traded, but also a strong interest in staying with the team as a mentor for younger players as the organization continues its rebuilding efforts.

Speaking after the end of his season due to a right shoulder strain, Contreras said, “I’d like to be a part of a young team that needs to have some kind of experience around them. That’s what I expressed, but I understand the part of the business of the team, and we just came to an agreement there.”

Contreras, 33, recently completed one of his most productive seasons at the plate, reaching 20 home runs for the sixth time in his career and setting personal bests with 80 RBIs and 563 plate appearances. The increase in playing time was partly due to his transition from catcher to first base.

Last offseason, Contreras declined to waive his no-trade clause despite three guaranteed years remaining on his contract signed before the 2023 season. However, after discussions with incoming president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom this year, he indicated more flexibility regarding potential trades while maintaining his desire to help develop younger teammates.

“I like challenges,” Contreras said. “I know that the St. Louis Cardinals have a really good track record of being a winning team. I know that right now we’re not having a really good team -- or we’re not having a winning team -- but I’d just like to be a part of the process.

“I understand that it might take three to five years to have a playoff team or a team that can contend to the World Series, and I said even if I don’t make it there, and you guys make it to a World Series, I feel like I can be proud of that, just because I want to help young guys to better develop and have a better idea of what baseball is besides going to analyze stats.”

Other key veterans may also be on their way out. Third baseman Nolan Arenado has stated publicly that he expects and supports being traded this winter for both personal reasons and what he sees as best for the club’s direction. Starting pitcher Sonny Gray has similarly signaled interest in moving elsewhere for greater chances at immediate contention. If all three were dealt away this offseason, St. Louis would enter unfamiliar territory without any experienced core under contract through 2026.

The possible departure or retention of Contreras could affect other players’ roles on next year’s roster. Alec Burleson has been filling in at first base since Contreras’ injury and is seen by management as having earned an everyday role thanks to recent performance improvements. This could create additional competition for playing time among Lars Nootbaar and Jordan Walker if Contreras remains with St. Louis.

Contreras emphasized his willingness both for change or continuity: “I’m a guy that always believes in my intuition and feeling,” he said. “If something comes up to [Bloom] that makes a lot of sense for him and the organization, and it makes sense for me and my future, how about we talk about that? But as of right now, I would just like to be part of the process.”