Willson Contreras made it clear in a recent meeting with Cardinals president John Mozeliak that he wants to stay in St. Louis, saying he hasn’t “done enough for me to leave the city yet.” With the trade deadline approaching, Contreras emphasized his commitment to the team and city, echoing what he had already told the Cardinals earlier in the year when they made it known they’d be focusing on developing young talent in 2025.
Contreras, who signed a five-year, \$87.5 million deal before the 2023 season that includes a no-trade clause, feels even more confident now that the team is on the right path despite a rough stretch in July. The Cardinals had remained in the Wild Card race for most of the season, and Contreras believes better days are ahead.
Speaking before Tuesday’s 5–0 loss to the Marlins, Contreras said, “I’m going to stay here; I’m not going nowhere. I’m happy in St. Louis.” He added that he and Mozeliak had already talked earlier in the week and agreed on the same page. “It’s a business, but Mozeliak doesn’t seem like he wants to move me, and I don’t want to leave. So, we’re all good.”
The loss on Tuesday wasn’t very positive. In his last 13 starts (165 lefties faced), staff ace Sonny Gray gave up three runs, eight hits, and his first home run to a left-handed batter. Gray acknowledged that the St. Louis heat, which was 93 degrees at first pitch and well over 100 degrees with the heat index on the field, played a role throughout the evening.
In reference to the identical problems that Alcantara voiced on Tuesday, Gray remarked, “It’s difficult because everything is just wet.” “Obviously, everyone is coping with it. But because everything is wet, it’s difficult to hold on to anything. I’ve attempted to conquer this actual obstacle in the past and throughout my career. It’s simply difficult.
Gray has acknowledged that he has found it difficult to deal with the St. Louis heat in July. He also told MLB.com that he has no intention of leaving the Cardinals and expressed this to Mozeliak in a recent meeting. In July 2024, he made four starts and was 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA and five home runs given up. He has made six starts this July, going 2-3 with a 7.81 ERA and five home runs given up.
According to Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol, “when you look at his career especially the last few years July hasn’t treated him well, but he bounces back and does a really nice job.” “We are therefore anticipating that next [start].”
After bobbing a grounder in the ninth inning, Contreras gave Marmol and the Cardinals a scare, but he recovered in time to beat Marlins speedy Xavier Edwards to the bag. After a replay review, the play that had first deemed Edwards safe was overturned. Contreras, who got to the bag about the same time as Edwards and lefty reliever John King, managed to stay in the game even though he dived into the bag to try to escape a collision and slashed his right knee on the dirt.
Earlier in Tuesday’s game, Contreras’ aggressive hustle also proved effective against the Cardinals. Contreras attempted to stretch a single into a double after lacing a hard-hit ball to left field in the sixth inning, but Marlins All-Star Kyle Stowers easily threw him out in a 5-0 win.
These are the types of moments the Cardinals have come to expect from Willson Contreras—fiery, emotional plays that show just how much he wants to win. His aggressive style can sometimes lead to mistakes, but manager Oli Marmol is more than willing to accept that in exchange for the passion and leadership Contreras brings to the team. Marmol emphasized that Contreras is fully invested in the Cardinals’ future and loves being part of what the team is building.
“He’s all in on what we’re doing here in St. Louis,” Marmol said. “He believes in the direction we’re going, wants to contribute however he can, and stays true to himself while doing it. I really value his energy in the clubhouse—he’s a guy I love having around.”
Contreras has also been a vocal presence in the locker room, encouraging his teammates to keep their focus on the games rather than the uncertainty of the trade deadline. He knows that key players like Ryan Helsley, Nolan Arenado, and Steven Matz—teammates he’s battled alongside—might be on the move soon.
Still, he’s not letting that distract him. “We’ll see how things play out up until the last day, but I’m not letting any of that get to me,” said Contreras, who is currently tied with Alec Burleson for the team lead in home runs with 14.