The Boston Red Sox decided to trade top catching prospect Kyle Teel this offseason, and it's already coming back to haunt them after starting catcher Connor Wong went down with an injury.
Now, the Red Sox could be forced to find a catcher via a trade in order to replace the injured Wong.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report recently linked the Red Sox to the St. Louis Cardinals' superstar catcher, Willson Contreras, in a potential blockbuster trade.
"Neither Contreras brother would come cheap, particularly William, who has a $12 million club option for next season plus one more year of arbitration eligibility in 2027," Miller wrote. "Even if Milwaukee drops out of the picture completely, it will be reluctant to move one of its best hitters.
"Willson is more gettable with the Cardinals possibly headed for a total rebuild, but he's also making $18 million this season, $18 million next season, $18.5 million in 2027, and has a $17.5 million club option or $5 million buyout for 2028. Boston certainly brings in enough revenue to make that happen, but it may well decide against it."
There are a few holdups here. First of all, Contreras plays first base for the Cardinals now. Boston would need him to be comfortable with the midseason move from first base back to catcher if this deal was going to make sense.
Also, Contreras is hitting horribly to begin the season. The Red Sox may need the Cardinals to eat a chunk of his deal if they're going to swing a trade for the veteran backstop.
If those two pieces can fall into place for the Red Sox, this is the kind of idea that makes perfect sense.
