In a move signaling notable offseason adjustments, the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals completed a trade Tuesday involving key players from both organizations. Veteran José Contreras is heading to Boston, where he’ll make the transition from catcher to first base, while right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins joins the cardinals.The deal reflects both teams’ efforts to bolster their rosters following disappointing 2025 seasons that left them outside of the playoff picture.
A new chapter begins for veteran slugger José Contreras, who is now a first baseman for the Boston Red Sox.
The Red Sox acquired Contreras in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, sending right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins and a collection of minor league prospects to St. Louis, as reported by sources.
Contreras, 33, transitions to first base after spending the previous two seasons as the Cardinals’ primary catcher. The move comes as both teams look to revitalize their offenses heading into the next campaign.
Last season, the three-time All-Star was a key contributor to the Cardinals’ lineup, posting a .257 batting average, .344 on-base percentage, and .447 slugging percentage with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs across 135 games and 490 at-bats.
Boston is also adding a promising young arm to their pitching staff in Dobbins, 25, who made 13 appearances (11 starts) for the Red Sox last season. The 2021 eighth-round draft pick finished his rookie year with a 4-1 record and a 4.13 ERA over 61.0 innings pitched, recording 45 strikeouts and 17 walks.
Both the Red Sox and Cardinals are aiming for improved results after falling short of postseason contention in 2025. Boston finished with an 89-73 record, placing third in the AL East, while St. Louis struggled to a 78-84 record and a last-place finish in the NL Central. This trade signals a clear intent from both franchises to compete more effectively in the upcoming season.
