Cardinals Place Catcher On Trade Block Just Months Into 5-Year, $87M Deal

As the trade deadline looms, the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves contemplating significant roster changes to revitalize their team's performance.

Among the players potentially on the move is Willson Contreras, the catcher who joined the Cardinals during the previous offseason with a hefty five-year, $87.5 million contract.

#STLCards C Willson Contreras is on the trade block, per @BNightengale.

Contreras, 31, signed a 5-year $87.5M contract with the Cardinals last offseason. pic.twitter.com/XsSbMbtaIZ
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) July 23, 2023

Despite his past achievements, Contreras's time in St. Louis has been a mixed bag, raising trade rumors and uncertainty about his future with the team.

The Cardinals' current standing at 44-55, 11 games back in the National League Central, has prompted them to explore potential trades and rebuild their roster for the future.

While the talented catcher's offensive abilities have been consistent, questions about his catching skills have led to temporary removal from the position earlier in the season, making his trade prospects subject to further developments.

The Cardinals may need to handle a significant portion of his salary to facilitate a trade, as he is guaranteed $72.5 million over the next four seasons, with a club option for 2028 at a base salary of $17.5 million.

The #STLCards have made Catcher Willson Contreras is available for trade at this year's deadline,per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/hazO9nCEP9
— MLB Update (@MLBNewsRumor) July 23, 2023

So far this season, the 31-year-old holds a .244/.339/.428 triple-slash line, with 11 home runs, 40 RBIs, five stolen bases, and 36 runs scored across 85 games played.

However, Contreras's recent right hip issue adds another layer of uncertainty to the situation.

As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Cardinals as they weigh their options and decide the best path forward to reshape their roster and strive for success in the seasons to come. Photo Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports