At the beginning of the 2026 season, the Boston Red Sox imagined they'd be buyers at the upcoming trade deadline — Craig Breslow was convinced just a few weeks ago he could save his team with a righty power bat off the trade market.
But the Red Sox continue to struggle offensively and they haven't been able to keep up with the rest of the American League. Their last-place standing in the AL East with no change in sight is more indicative of a seller. Plus, this year's will be a seller's market.
Many publications have claimed that new Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras will be a popular trade candidate this season. It's not hard to see why, as he's in the throes of an offensive surge with the Sox. But some anonymous executives who spoke with Mark Feinsand of MLB.com aren't as certain that Contreras will be moved — a great sign for Red Sox fans.
"The Cardinals had a hard time moving Contreras last year; how many teams want that personality on their team at the deadline?" one exec wondered. "Contreras is an acquired taste," another said.
Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras may not be as popular a trade deadline candidate as people think
It makes sense why some teams may feel that way about Contreras. He crowds the plate and gets hit by a lot of pitches (13 already this season), which makes him an injury risk. Contreras also takes every hit personally and there have already been some chippy, benches-clearing incidents since his trade to Boston.
Whether other teams see Contreras in a polarizing light or not, he's been a perfect addition to the Sox's roster and one of the best offensive first basemen this season. He's the best defender at the corner the Red Sox have fielded in years with an out above average and 73rd percentile range. He's also posting the season of his life at the plate, with a .304/.396/.570 slash line11 doubles, two triples, 16 homers and 43 RBI over 67 games.
The Red Sox also need his highly competitive personality. Their roster is dominated by young players still finding their place in the league while Contreras knows his strengths and how to get under peoples' skin. He's a spark plug at the plate and in the dugout and the Sox are desperate for that energy.
Contreras is under team control for two more seasons after this one. So much of his game is exactly what the Red Sox have been missing and it makes no sense to let him go so quickly, especially while their competitive window should be wide open.
Many Sox fans are worried about Breslow being in charge for another trade deadline where he could make another shortsighted move, like trading Contreras away before he has a chance to really make an impact in Boston. Thankfully, rival execs don't seem to want him as much as the Red Sox do.
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