The Red Sox got an impact bat Wilson Contreras per week. The long-time starter moved up to the first division last season, and that is expected to stick in Boston. “We see him primarily at first, maybe some DH opportunities. But if we can get his stick in the lineup, the better off we’ll be,” baseball official Craig Breslow he told reporters, including MassLive.com’s Sean McAdam.
Contreras bounced around in his debut with the Cubs, even putting in innings at third base and in the corner outfield spots, but he spent most of his time behind the plate. He served as Chicago’s main catcher from 2017 to 2021. Conteras split his time evenly between catcher and DH in 2022. He went to St. Louis in 2023 and continued to play both catcher and DH somewhat equally. The Cardinals changed course this past season, installing Contreras as their first baseman. He also started occasionally at DH.
Through 2025, Contreras had 11 career starts. He started 119 games this past season. Contreras has delivered good to solid defensive results, depending on the metric. Outs Above Average looked good for Contreras, with a +4 grade. Defensive Runs Saved was unkind at -1. Given Contreras’ significant contribution as a hitter, Boston will likely be fine with average defensive numbers. The 33-year-old has posted a wRC+ of at least 124 in four straight seasons.
Boston has Carlos Narvaez again Connor Wong penciled in like its two rear doors. Narvaez had just six games of major league experience when he was traded from the Yankees to the Red Sox last season. He emerged as a reliable offensive contributor, hitting 15 home runs and hitting .241/.306/.419 in 118 games. Wong fell sharply after a strong 2024. He failed to get on track at the plate after missing most of April with a broken finger. Wong has shown enough in the past to be relied upon as a backup heading into next season, and it seems likely that he will retain that role if Boston is not interested in playing Contreras at the position.
The addition of Contreras is immediate Places to stay in Triston Casas‘ role in question. On the other hand, Breslow expressed optimism about Casas’ vision. “We still have a lot of confidence and belief in Triston. All he has to do is commit to doing everything possible to get back on the field. You are doing that right now,” Breslow said, via MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo. Casas is currently recovering from a broken sternum that cost him most of 2025. His status for the start of next season is unknown.
Casas has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason, even before Boston acquired Contreras. The fact that the team adds a player to his position can increase the chances of a move. The main deterrent to a potential deal is Casas’ recent performance, both in terms of production and health. He hit just .182 in 29 games before going down with a knee injury. Casas was better in 2024, but again spent three months on the injured list due to rib problems.
It’s not just Contreras pushing Casas, either. Boston has another DH option at Masataka Yoshidaejected from the field Jarren Duran, Roman Anthonyagain Ceddanne Rafaela. Wilyer Abreu also worked well last year, especially against right tackles. Breslow didn’t sound overly concerned about a potential roster glut. “Those things usually work. (It’s an opportunity) to keep everybody fresh, to keep everybody involved and engaged at the same time.”
Sliding Rafaela into the stadium would help alleviate some of the roadblocks for Casas and the young outfielders, but that is not the club’s current goal. “We are a better team with Ceddanne in the middle of the pitch, and we will try to keep him there,” Breslow said, via Ari Alexander of 7News Boston WHDH. Rafaela won a Gold Glove in center this past season.
After splitting his time between shortstop and center field in 2024, Rafaela was on the grass this past season. He played 19 games in the second division, but some came from the field. Rafaela was one of the most influential defenders in any position in 2025. He took second place with Alejandro Kirk in Statcast’s Fielding Run Value metric. Patrick Bailey he is the only player who has been more productive as a defender.
Second base is an area of need for the Red Sox right now. If the season started today, Boston would likely be rolling with an uninspiring team Romy Gonzalez again Nick Sogard instead. Kristian Campbell he can fit into that mix, but he’ll need to show a lot in the minors to get another chance at the big leagues.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Curry, Imagn Images
