The New York Yankees are considering a trade for a former St. Louis Cardinals star as they prepare for the offseason. Following the departure of Paul Goldschmidt, who is set to test free agency, the Yankees are looking for a veteran first baseman to reinforce their roster.
Yankees Seek Trade for Former Cardinals Star
Goldschmidt was the primary first baseman for the Yankees for most of the previous season. However, he saw limited action in the postseason, with 26-year-old Ben Rice taking the lead at first base. While the team is expected to continue with Rice next season, they are eyeing a possible trade with the Cardinals.
Potential Targets: Willson Contreras
One player the Yankees might target is Willson Contreras, a former star with the Cardinals. According to Kerry Miller from Bleacher Report, Contreras could enhance the Yankees’ veteran presence in the lineup. The Cardinals, having recently traded Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox, may now be more willing to part with Contreras.
- Contreras is open to waiving his no-trade clause, unlike last year.
- The Yankees have shown a pattern of acquiring first basemen in their mid-30s.
- The team possesses a surplus of pitching prospects, appealing to the Cardinals’ needs.
- Contreras has $41.5 million remaining on his current contract.
Contreras’ Recent Performance
Even though Contreras is not at the peak of his All-Star career, he delivered a solid performance last season. He recorded a batting line of .257/.344/.447, with 20 home runs and a career-high of 80 RBIs. His experience and skills could serve as a valuable addition to the Yankees’ lineup.
Historically, the Yankees have made similar moves. They traded for Anthony Rizzo in 2021, who played as their first baseman until Goldschmidt was signed for the 2025 season. This trend suggests that the Yankees are not shying away from acquiring seasoned players who can make an immediate impact.
As the offseason approaches, the Yankees’ intentions to trade for Contreras highlight their ongoing pursuit of improvement and competitiveness within Major League Baseball.
