Willson Contreras Becoming More Open To Waiving No-Trade Clause

"Entering the offseason, two of the Cardinals' three pricey veterans - and Nolan Arenado - made clear that they were more willing to waive their no-trade clause this winter than they were last. Gray said he'd "definitely" consider the possibility after chatting with new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom about the team's direction. He's already been shipped to the Red Sox."

"The Cardinals' third spendy veteran, first baseman Willson Contreras, said on the final weekend of the season that he'd be open to trade scenarios if they made sense for both the organization and his own personal future but emphasized that his preference was to remain in St. Louis. Now, however, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports that Contreras has become increasingly open to waiving his no-trade protection to greenlight a deal if he deems the new club to be a good fit."

"That doesn't make it a foregone conclusion that he'll be traded. Contreras' contract isn't as complicated as that of Gray or Arenado, but it's not exactly a raucous bargain in its own right. He's guaranteed $36.5MM over the next two seasons, plus a $5MM buyout on a club option for the 2028 season. That's $41.5MM still guaranteed to him overall. Would a 33-year-old Contreras (34 in May) command that type of contract in free agency right now? It's possible, but he likely wouldn't earn much beyo"

Two Cardinals veterans prioritized waiving no-trade clauses more than the previous offseason; Gray expressed willingness and was traded to the Red Sox. Nolan Arenado signaled a broader openness to trade destinations but remains difficult to move because of a multiyear offensive decline and two expensive contract years remaining. Willson Contreras initially preferred to stay but has grown increasingly open to waiving his no-trade protection if a new club proves a good fit. Contreras carries $36.5MM guaranteed over the next two seasons plus a $5MM buyout on a 2028 option, leaving $41.5MM guaranteed overall. Free-agent market value for a 33-year-old Contreras is uncertain.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors