Major League Baseball's winter meetings kicked off yesterday in Orlando, Florida, and the New York Yankees are one team at the center of talks.
New York's plans for first base next season surely include Ben Rice, with the expected departure of veteran Paul Goldschmidt.
If the Yankees decide to add to their first base depth, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller sees trading for the St. Louis Cardinals' Wilson Contreras as a move that makes "too much sense" for the AL East club.
"For Contreras, certainly Boston would be interested, but the Yankees almost make too much sense, given their affinity in recent years for bringing in first basemen who are already into their mid-30s," Miller wrote Saturday. "The Bronx Bombers also have a stockpile of pitching prospects, which the Cardinals need badly enough to potentially retain a significant chunk of the $41.5M remaining on his deal."
How Contreras fits the Yankees' future
Turning 34 in May, Contreras is starting to enter the back nine of his career. Once a star catcher with the Chicago Cubs, he played 120 games at first base with the Cardinals in 2025.
He remains an above-average hitter at the plate, finishing last season with a.257/.344/.447 slash line with 20 home runs, 80 RBIs, and a 123 OPS+.
The Yankees need run producers in their lineup behind three-time MVP Aaron Judge, and Contreras fits the bill. But finding playing time for the 10-year veteran may be tricky with Rice at first base and Giancarlo Stanton at designated hitter.
In terms of trades, the Cardinals are clearly open to discussions for their position players this winter. Contreras could waive his full no-trade clause if the Yankees show interest and he sees a fit.
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