The St. Louis Cardinals are once again one of the busiest teams in early offseason chatter, but there is one name you almost never hear mentioned. That silence is starting to suggest he may not be going anywhere.
A new update from MLB Trade Rumors outlines the Cardinals’ offseason approach. Much of it repeats what has already been circulating, including interest in Brendan Donovan and the organization’s efforts to find new destinations for Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray. None of that was surprising, but one detail stood out. According to the report, there was no discussion at the recent GM meetings about Willson Contreras, even though he was viewed as the easiest veteran to trade because his offensive ability might appeal to several teams.
Thinking back, there has not been a single credible report connecting Contreras to any other club. That leaves two explanations. Either the Cardinals are not actively shopping him, or Chaim Bloom and his staff are keeping their plans completely quiet, something I suggested they consider earlier this week. I prefer the second scenario, but in today’s online world it is difficult to keep even vague rumors under wraps. That reality makes it more likely that Contreras will stay put rather than join the list of veterans on the move.
What we do know is this. Contreras has made it clear that he would rather remain a Cardinal and help lead a young roster, though he has also said he would waive his no trade clause if the right opportunity emerged. Of all the veterans, he is the one player the Cardinals might be better off holding onto. One long running frustration with recent Cardinals teams is a lack of fire. Losing is one thing, but showing no fight is another. Contreras has never lacked intensity. It is one of the traits that made Yadier Molina so valuable. You could always count on full effort from him, and he demanded the same from everyone else. As the Cardinals retool, they need players like Contreras to set that standard for the young talent coming in.
One last point. It is still very early in the offseason, and things can shift quickly as the winter meetings approach. If the Cardinals manage to trade Arenado and Gray, would that push Contreras toward wanting a move as well? That does not seem to fit who he is. In late September, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported that Contreras told Chaim Bloom he wants to remain with the Cardinals, and that outcome appears increasingly realistic.