The Cleveland Guardians are set to tackle their offensive challenges by pursuing trade options this offseason. After ranking among the worst offenses in baseball in 2025, the team is eyeing St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras as a key addition. Contreras offers a chance to enhance their performance, especially against left-handed pitchers.
Contreras: A Prime Target for the Guardians
Willson Contreras, who signed a two-year, $34.5 million contract with the Cardinals, has previously expressed willingness to be traded to a contender. This flexibility could benefit the Guardians, who need to improve their lineup significantly.
Cardinals’ Rebuilding Plans
Following two consecutive seasons without playoff appearances, the Cardinals may be inclined to rebuild. This presents an opportunity for the Guardians to negotiate a trade, potentially involving some of their pitching talent. The Guardians have a strong roster of pitchers and could offer major league-ready players or promising prospects in exchange for Contreras.
- Contract Details: 2 years, $34.5 million
- Trade Clause: Can decline a trade to 10 teams
- Performance Metrics:
- Career wRC+ vs. lefties: 135
- Career wRC+ vs. righties: 117
- Last season’s wRC+: 124
Player Overview
At 33 years old, Contreras transitioned primarily to first base last season. He recorded 6 Outs Above Average and managed a -1 Defensive Runs Saved, demonstrating solid skills at the position. While he can still catch, his focus appears to be on maximizing his effectiveness as a first baseman.
Last season, Contreras recorded a notable average exit velocity of 90.6 mph, which is 1 mph better than his career average. He also demonstrated improved hitting metrics, achieving a career-high barrel rate of 13.8% and exhibiting a strong run value against four-seam fastballs. With his bat speed in the 95th percentile, his performance indicators suggest he can continue to excel for years to come.
Potential Lineup Improvement
Integrating Contreras into the Guardians’ lineup could transform their offensive capabilities. With him at first base, here’s a look at how the lineup might shape up:
- Kwan LF
- DeLauter CF (with Angel Martinez against LHP)
- Ramirez 3B
- Contreras 1B
- Manzardo DH
- Valera/Kayfus RF (platooning with Lane Thomas or Austin Slater)
- Bo/Fry C
- Brito 2B (eventually Bazzana?)
- Rocchio SS
This lineup provides a competitive edge, particularly against left-handed pitching. It also leaves room for strategic depth should key players sustain injuries.
Conclusion
As the offseason unfolds, the Guardians should prioritize acquiring Willson Contreras. This move could significantly bolster their offense and transform them into a more formidable team in 2026. With careful negotiation, bringing Contreras to Cleveland seems feasible and could provide the spark the Guardians need to enhance their competitive edge.
